Wade assures NBL fans on league future

With just six confirmed sides in the next NBL season, league bosses have moved to prevent teams moving for free agents as they get their house in order.

The NBL's top brass has reached out to jittery fans fearful for the competition's future, repeating their message that the 2015/16 season will be going ahead.

And not only that, they hope it will be televised.

Uncertainty plagues the league after both the Wollongong Hawks and Townsville Crocodiles entered voluntary administration earlier this month.

But interim league chief executive Bret Mactavish has sought to prevent a bunfight over players, delaying the introduction of the free agency period until May.

The move also helps an expansion team in Brisbane, which has six weeks to declare its hand and still target the best free agents.

"Delaying the start of free agency means that we allow clubs every opportunity to get their house in order, which in turn benefits players," said Mactavish in a statement.

Interim chairman Graeme Wade addressed some of the many vagaries in the season ahead on the league's website.

Wade says there won't be a one-off injection of league funds to bail-out of the Hawks or the Crocs.

"The NBL have already invested substantial finances and resources into these clubs," Wade said.

"This isn't sustainable long-term as we need to retain funds at league level ... from now on, there will be a real focus on clubs being self-sufficient and commercially viable, and the NBL will be doing all it can to help clubs achieve this."

Wade says his work to secure a team in the Queensland capital before the season's tip-off was ongoing.

"Nobody wants a club in Brisbane more than the NBL but we have to have the right deal with the right syndicate," he said.

"The NBL is working behind-the-scenes to finalise an outcome as soon as possible."

Having enraged basketball fans with delayed broadcasts of the 2014/15 finals series, won by New Zealand Breakers, Wade has vowed not to make the same mistake in future broadcast deals.

"We will be avoiding that outcome again in future," Wade said.

"Our broadcast rights are up for renewal and the NBL is currently in negotiations to secure the best possible deal that will prioritise free-to-air viewing and live games."


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Source: AAP


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