Gold Coast "firmly" in expansion conversation

The NBL has confirmed that expansion is in its horizon, with one of the locations firmly in the mix is the Gold Coast.

Having hosted two of the past three pre-season NBL Blitz events, as well as establishing itself as one of the strongest basketball breeding grounds in South East Queensland, the Gold Coast continues to tick a lot of boxes in proving its value for a potential 11th NBL licence.

As well as that, the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre will host the inaugural Ignite Cup Final, presented by Disney+, in February.

With all that in mind, NBL chief operating officer Vince Crivelli said that "fan demand and commercial appetite" were strong enough in the region to justify a franchise, while the "non-negotiable" factor of having an appropriate venue has put the Gold Coast “at the front of the queue”.

“Expansion for the NBL is no longer a question of if, but when (and) the Gold Coast is firmly in that conversation,” Crivelli said to the Gold Coast Bulletin.

“It’s a high-growth market, it has a strong sporting identity, and there has been genuine interest shown in the past.

“As a league, we’ve been very clear that any expansion must strengthen the competition, and the Gold Coast continues to present as a market with real potential, provided the right foundations are put in place.”

The region's association with the NBL dates back to 1990 with the Gold Coast Cougars, later renamed the Rollers, which lasted six years, before the Blaze competed for five seasons from 2007.

The Gold Coast will also host a number of Brisbane Bullets' Ignite Cup fixtures during the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season.

Read the full story here >> National Basketball League in advanced talks to launch new Gold Coast team