Tasmania could return to the NBL.
NBL owner Larry Kestelman has entered an exclusive negotiating period with Glenorchy City Council to purchase the Derwent Entertainment Centre in Hobart and if successful this would pave the way to put a team in the Apple Isle within the next two years.
The Hobart Devils played in the NBL until 1995.Credit:NBL
The NBL has also extended an invitation to the Tasmanian government to make a bid to host the NBL Blitz pre-season tournament this year which would see all nine teams play in the state on the eve of the new season.
The NBL would be the only national league outside of cricket to have a stand-alone team in Tasmania and Kestelman wants to make basketball the number one sport in the state.
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Central to bringing the team to Tasmania will be support from the state government and Kestelman will begin talks with them next week about the DEC and Wilkinsons Point development.
It's also a bold play to pinch supporters from the AFL, who send regular games to the state each year in return for funding from the state government but have baulked at establishing a team there.
The move is also a big risk for the league should the team fail to garner enough support and struggle to be competitive.
The Hobart Tassie Devils played in the NBL between 1983-95 before dropping out, but the league has yet to settle on a name for the expansion side.
It's unclear if the Devils name will be available with the AFL planning to use it for the VFL Tasmanian side they plan to enter in 2021.
"The NBL is looking to expand the competition and a 10th team in Tasmania is something we will now consider providing we can reach agreement with Glenorchy City Council on DEC and Wilkinsons Point," Kestelman said.
We want basketball to be the number one sport in Tasmania.
Larry Kestelman
"Tasmanians are passionate about sport and crying out for more of their own teams in national sporting leagues and we believe it's something that fans are ready for and will embrace.
"We want basketball to be the number one sport in Tasmania.
"Most importantly this must be a team for all of Tasmania and have a presence across the state."
Kestelman would purchase the venue and land himself although the stadium would need an upgrade to expand seating, fix the roof and potentially some community and high-performance facilities before it is ready to host NBL games.
He is seeking government funding towards the upgrades.
"I have already met with the state government including Premier Will Hodgman and will meet with them again next week," Kestelman said.
"It is crucial that the NBL partner with the government if there is to be a team in Tasmania.
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