Hoops

Howies thoughts on NBL Expansion

Bruno Cullen is chairman. Sorry FYI your info is incorrect there. ive actually had several conversations with him and michael.

Good read, but nothing new.

I think he lost me when Canberra was mentioned as a "priority market".

As soon as the NBL becomes an entertaining and respectable brand to the wider public, politicians will notice. Unfortunately as things stand the NBL is a fantastic product without financial stability or public recognition.

In so far as the biggest reason for a Canberra expansion is showing the league off to politicians, it lacks foundation given the redundancy of this concept.

Interesting what he said about brisbane being definate. i also say definate but no time line. Wont be a brisbane team for at least a while yet. the corporate support in brisbane isnt there anymore, even the broncos are down on sponsorship. Also dont think BA are putting loads of $ in, all they are doing is funding the CEO position role in short term contracts, like 3 month contracts. As an interested investor/sponsor i have only heard from the CEO once this year, so dont know if he is still in the job. Im putting together a V8 Supercar team and we are struggling with corporate support, speaking to DJR they are finding it hard to get a major sponsor. people are prepared to spend a little money but not the sort of money needed.

A Good Read.

I did like the points regarding Canberra a possible expansion team to bring back. The idea of showing off regular games to Politicians makes sense, especially if you want to promote funding for the sport. Would make common sense then down the line to look at a Wellington side in NZ provided the 'Canberra test' worked out. But those options are waaay down the line.

Brisbane and a 2nd Melbourne team are the obvious choices. However I'm for the 'sitting on 10 teams and growing the league' option. Teams like the Tigers really need to focus on changing venues permanently and getting a bigger average crowd to games. Sixers need to get back to their 7-8k crowds, same with Sydney on a regular basis.

My bigget thing with regards to league expansion and growth, is that teams like Wollongong, Cairns and Townsville all have limits on what they can achieve due to local. I wouldn't want the league to become a four team market (NZ, Perth, Sydney, Melb) where all the money is and as such, all the talent goes; like you see in the NBA with LA, Boston, NY etc.