Team Tasmania name shortlist finalised with previous trademarked names all in running
After 10,000 suggestions, Tasmanians are only weeks away from learning the name of the state’s new NBL side, which is set to enter the league in 2021-22. SEE THE SHORTLIST >>
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THE NBL has confirmed the final shortlist for nicknames for the Tasmanian team which enter the competition in the 2021-22 season.
As revealed three weeks ago, the five monikers whittled down from nearly 10,000 suggestions are the Tasmania Jack Jumpers, Tridents, Timbers, Pride and Mountaineers.
All five were trademarked and registered by the league in early August but were not considered the definitive options — until today.
The countdown now begins towards the official decision, with one candidate to be eliminated each week before an October 1 reveal.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the response we’ve had from people all over Tasmania. It shows there’s a huge amount of interest in the new team and how engaged Tasmanians are,” chief executive Simon Brookhouse said.
“We want a name that Tasmanians will feel connected to and that’s why we asked them to
nominate their favourites.
We want to build a team for all Tasmania and a team all Tasmanians can be proud of.
“We have now finalised a shortlist of five names. Over the next four weeks we will eliminate
one name each week before we reveal the name of the new team on October 1.”
The Tasmanian club has engaged the services of brand and design agency SouthSouthWest — led by creative director and Tasmanian Andy Sargent — to help bring the name and brand of the new team to life.
“Andy is from Tasmania and has worked on a number of NBL and NBA related projects. As
somebody who grew up in Tasmania and understands the state and sport he can help build
an authentic connection with the community,” Brookhouse said.
Popular and multiple suggestions Devils and Tigers were both ruled out due to associations with other sports.
Brookhouse understands the history and significance attached to both names, especially the Devils, but said it was important to forge a new identity.
“We want a name that signifies a new era for sport in Tasmania and represents a team all Tasmanians can be part of.”
Foundation memberships will also be launched on October 1.
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