5
May
CODE Sports
NBL boss vows to bring a team to the Gold Coast
Adris DeLeon of the Blaze thanks fans after game two of the NBL finals series between the Gold Coast Blaze and the Perth Wildcats at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on April 4, 2012 on the Gold Coast, Australia. Photo: Matt Roberts/Getty Images
Larry Kestelman has told Gold Coast councillors the city could secure a basketball team by next year
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National Basketball League owner and billionaire Larry Kestelman says the Gold Coast could have a team in the competition by next year, reports Paul Weston from CODE Sports.
Mr Kestelman, after a closed presentation to Gold Coast City councillors at a full council meeting on Tuesday, was upbeat about their response.
In the biggest sign yet the NBL and City are closing on a deal, he said: “Whether it happens in this round or the next round, I won’t stop until there’s a team here on the Gold Coast.”
The City is currently working through a process to approve the $1bn proposed Gold Coast Arena at Carey Park in Southport.
As the NBL remains committed to expansion, the Coast is in a race with another potential Sydney team, Canberra and Darwin consortiums.
Mr Kestelman revealed the NBL was working on a short time line to make a call on expansion of teams.
“It’s not for this season, it’s for the following season. The next 30 to 60 days are crucial. Hence I’m here at council,” he said.
Mr Kestelman agreed not having a modern, large venue did present a challenge for the Coast. But he said Carrara or the Convention Centre could work as an interim base as the Coast works on building the Arena before the 2032 Olympic Games.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said a lot of work had to be done to get a team by 2027 but he believed it was possible.
For the full story on CODE Sports Basketball, click here.
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