The NBL will launch a social media campaign for the public in the coming weeks to name the new Tasmanian team to be included in the league from the 2021-2022 NBL season.
The competition will feature a 10th team from Tasmania after the league has entered into an agreement with the Tasmanian government to grant a license to participate.
Tassie will return to the home stage for the first time since the Hobart Devils disbanded in 1996.
The new Tasmania team will not return to the Devils name, and while the Tigers are off the table, the state’s cricket team is already using this logo.
The NBL is expected to want a team name that represents Tasmania, as it will also bring games to the north of the state.
The agreement includes a new home for the team with the Tasmanian government, which will provide $ 68.5 million for the modernization of the Derwent Entertainment Center, including $ 20 million for a four-court multisport facility in the community.
Larry Kestelman, owner and chief executive officer of NBL, said the league would help the new Tasmanian franchise find a CEO who will work closely with the Tasmanian advisory board and the local community to build a team that all Tasmanians on and off the place can be proud.
Kestelman was also encouraged by Corporate Australia’s interest to become a founding partner of the Tasmanian team.
“This is great news for the NBL and the people of Tasmania who have shown amazing passion to bring this to life,” said Kestelman.
“The final agreement means that we can immediately begin the next steps in planning and upgrading the DEC to bring a Tasmanian team to justice for the start of the 2021-22 season.
“I would like to thank the Tasmanian government, led by Prime Minister Peter Gutwein, the Glenorchy City Council and the people of Tasmania, for their support, especially in the past few months, when we have all faced so many challenges.
“The Tasmanian NBL team will bring important economic and tourist benefits to Tasmania and will bring new jobs and investments to the state.
“Basketball is a global sport and the NBL team will present Tasmania on the national stage and around the world.”
Mr. Gutwein said the milestone agreement paved the way for Tasmania to have its own team for the first time in 25 years, with a major construction flash on the DEC also bringing significant benefits.
“This development will enable significant economic development, attract investments and create hundreds of jobs,” said Gutwein.
“In this way, we are rebuilding Tasmania, building on our strengths and offering Tasmania opportunities, including participation in national leagues, creating new jobs, future investments and economic development.
“We are proud to be an important sponsor of a Tasmanian NBL team and to take advantage of the opportunities it offers for the base and player development in our state.”
Tasmanians can register their support for their new NBL team at nbltas.com.au.
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