Building a New-Castle: Falcons shooting for NBL return

• NBL's return to Gold Coast: Fans have their say
• Ditch dollars for sense: Why Canberra must be next
• NBL expansion: Goorjian warns not to repeat history

Has Newcastle surpassed a second Sydney side on the NBL’s expansion pecking order? State funding for a world class indoor venue has placed the Steel City in a strong position to secure a men’s basketball team in the future, writes Matt Logue and Michael Randall from CODE Sports.

The NSW Government committed $14 million in June to fund a 12-month detailed design phase. If full construction funding is secured — upwards of $485 million — local officials estimate building could start from 2029.

The proposed 12,000 capacity Newcastle Arena will be located next to the northern end of McDonald Jones Stadium in Broadmeadow – home of the NRL’s Knights and A-League’s Jets.

NBL boss Larry Kestelman welcomed the NSW State’s funding for a venue in Newcastle as a crucial step towards expansion in the city.

“We congratulate the NSW Government on its commitment to delivering a world-class arena for Newcastle and the Hunter region,” Kestelman said.

“We are excited by the prospect of growing the NBL in the region and as we assess the opportunity, we always consider three key factors: a strong and passionate participation / support base, a sustainable commercial environment for clubs and the league, and access to modern venues capable of delivering a premium experience for fans, players and partners.

“Projects like this are incredibly encouraging because they strengthen the foundations for basketball to thrive across all levels. Newcastle is a market with an incredible NBL history, and investments of this calibre only enhance the long-term opportunities for the city as we continue to assess future expansion across a number of markets.”

Newcastle last competed in the NBL during the 2005–06 season as the Hunter Pirates, before financial difficulties forced the club to withdraw.

Basketball.com.au did mention on The Splash rumour column last week, talks had gone quiet surrounding a possible expansion team on the Gold Coast.

To read the full article on CODE Sports Basketball as part of Logue and Randall's Crossover Column, click here.