NBA icons behind Gold Coast expansion bid

A new Gold Coast team entering the competition would have the backing from two of the biggest names in the sport, as the conversation around NBL expansion grows louder.

Paul Weston from the Gold Coast Bulletin reported on Friday that, “Carmelo Anthony, US Hall of Fame star, and Kenny Smith, former player and top commentator, will be the owners.

“Both are ambassadors and having formed a partnership for a new Australian franchise.”

Executive Director, NBL Group, Larry Kestleman, privately met with councillors this week around a future team and what it would take to secure the 11th licence in the league.

“Whether it happens in this round or the next round, I won’t stop until there’s a team here on the Gold Coast,” Kestelman said earlier in the week.

The Gold Coast remains the largest city in Australia without a team, with Kestelman outlining how basketball is “absolutely booming” in the region.

“Basketball Queensland figures show participation rising more than nine per cent year on year for the past four successive years,” the Gold Coast Bulletin also reported.

“Mr Kestelman has set a timeline of 30 to 60 days on a decision on expansion.

“A Coast team could play at Carrara or the Convention as early as next year.”

In recent years, the Gold Coast has hosted the first-ever Ignite Cup Final and numerous editions of the competition's pre-season tournaments, the NBL Blitz.

Read the full story here >> Billionaire’s pitch for Gold Coast NBL team backed by US Hall of Fame star