Hoops

Blaze owners withdraw team, cite frustration with BA

I don't know why this hasn't been reported anywhere else.. But something else also happened today...

Another team folded...



The Gold Coast BLADES. Yes, Blades!
http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2012/s3548277.htm

RIP Blades.

http://www.theage.com.au/sport/basketball/gold-coast-blaze-out-of-the-nbl-20120718-229by.html

2 really great posts here:

Skip with "If any team needs to have the full 1 million guarantee, it's a team that has gone into Administration in the off season." and Venom's post # 377089

Sport, meet economic realism - don't spend more than you earn.

Should the Salary cap be reduced for a number of years until the NBL is thriving? I mean most of these guys earn reasonable money, enough to make a living. It's definitely not the ridiculous amounts the AFL teams are throwing around but it is sustainable.
In hindsight, would you rather see your team play week in and week out although lose most games like the Sixers or would you rather have no team to watch like the Queensland folk now?
F@ck it's a vicious cycle!

Blaze has been a sorry and sad affair since VA broke out. The Joyce thing realistically had little to do with blowing $12mill and having squat at the end of it.

If you were BA, would you let 2 owners who blew that much in 5 years run a club that went into VA, screwed its staff/players (dont care about joyce) etc out of money owed and then pinky swear they will be viable on $1million revenue + $500k capital ?

Lets not just beat up Basketball, the NRL and AFL are both propping up loss making teams. Only 2 teams in the NRL are cash positive without NRL support and the AFL also supports the GC Suns, Lions and a few Melbourne based clubs. If not for the large TV deals, these leagues would also start contracting.

The whole world is changing to a more sustainable financial future ie. no debt, only spend what you can earn, the customer is your life line - treat them like family. Basketball Australia under KK (doesnt start till 4th Aug) will embrace the changes and get bigger when its viable and not through pea brained owners splashing cash and wondering why there is only $7k in the bank.

I keep going to write something here, but then i delete it. I think i might wait a few months ;)

Club went downhill after Dave Claxton left. We need Clacker to start another GC franchise up again quick to save bball on the GC

I'm with you bowtie, the GCB closing up shop is not good for the sport and the NBL comp.

The need for a Brisbane team must gather momentum.

Regardless of what they were told, If any team needs to have the full 1 million guarantee, it's a team that has gone into Administration in the off season. While I am sad to see them go, I do believe they should have to put up the full funds.

I don't think any of the players will have too much trouble finding new teams. The coaches on the other hand are left with a lot fewer options.

Hang tough Blaze fan. We need the hardcore supporters to not dwindle off. Something good is around the corner mate...

Here's the email I received tonight....


Media Release

It is with much regret that we announce that we have decided to withdraw our submission to Basketball Australia to be included in the 2012/13 NBL season.

We have been asked to provide further information and given an extension until 31 July 2012 to do so. We feel that we have already done enough to satisfy all requirements and the drawing out of this process has gone on long enough.

We are proud of the contribution we have made to basketball in South East Queensland over the past five seasons and we feel that the Blaze has contributed in a very meaningful way to the community.

The company administration period has been a terrible strain on our loyal coaches, players and staff and their families. They, along with our Pyromaniacs and Corporate Sponsors, have supported us throughout this difficult time and we deeply regret that we have had to make this decision.

We thank everyone for their unwavering support.

Owen Tomlinson

Director

Gold Coast Blaze
--------------

I'm less gutted than in 1996. Still, plenty crapped off. 5 years and a few thousand invested but all gone now. Pretty much lost for words.

While the 36ers are probably my least hated team and I'd love to see Peech and Gibbo land there, I can't say I'll remain a follower of the league.

Thanks Isaac for providing a great site. A little more civilised than OzH and very well moderated. Good luck with its future development.

Signing off for now.

I agree with alexkrad. I'm also with BA on this.

Some Blaze fans/former employees are saying BA told them they only needed to bank $200k guarantee but were told today they need the full $1mil.

Not sure why BA would say you only need $200k, what if they went under mid-season? Where would the other $800k come from?

Can't copy page on iPhone???

Go to Gold coast basketball page on FB. Release is there with comments coming in.

It's 100% true. Don't expect a press release until the morning.

GC basketball just posted release on FB.

Withdrew submission.