Seven clubs reject breakaway Owners’ Group

Seven NBL clubs have reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively with the NBL and have made clear the new Owners’ Association involving just three clubs does not represent the views of the majority of owners.

Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne United, New Zealand, Sydney and Tasmania have expressed their support for the direction of the NBL and their preference for continuing to work through the established channels of communication.

A spokesperson representing the coalition of the willing said a newly formed “Owners’ Association” had been established by just three owners who had been involved in a longstanding dispute with the League.

“This group are not representatives of the majority of NBL club owners, and their views do not reflect the views of the other seven owners,” the strong statement provided to media said.

“Creating a separate, independent group to advocate for clubs is not necessary. We already have strong, open and collaborative lines of communication with the League.”

The owners of Illawarra, South East Melbourne and Perth are the only ones in the breakaway group, with this public stance marking the first time the other clubs have publicly distanced themselves.

“We don’t want it to be an us versus them mentality but, at the same time, we don’t want this to go on any longer, we want it to be over,” one owner, speaking on condition of anonymity, told CODE Sports.

The seven clubs also made clear that, while healthy debate and differing views are an important part of any sporting competition, they do not support an approach that creates division or prioritises the interests of a small number of stakeholders over the collective success of the League.

“The NBL has never been in a stronger position in relation to its value, audience and fandom. We are confident things are moving in the right direction and have done for many years.”

The clubs pointed to changes made to the League’s governance structures and the appointment of highly experienced and respected independent figures, including Len Komoroski, former Chief Executive of Rock Entertainment Group, and Professor Graeme Samuel AC, former Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

The seven clubs said they would continue to advocate for transparency and strong governance while supporting the broader growth of the sport.

“We will always push for full transparency throughout the sport and all bodies associated with it.”

NBL Group Chief Executive David Stevenson said the League already provides a structured forum for club owners to engage directly on the strategic and commercial priorities of the competition.

“Healthy debate and differing perspectives are an important part of any successful sporting competition,” Stevenson said.

“However, our priority is building a stronger future through collaboration, shared ambition and long-term thinking, not fragmentation or pursuing outcomes that benefit only a select few.

“The NBL will continue investing its time, energy and resources in working with the vast majority of clubs that are aligned in purpose and committed to the collective success of the competition.”