Debate on the issue yesterday ranged from Wall Street bailouts to the council's role.

Aldermen were unable to reach a consensus, even after Mayor Albert van Zetten's initial motion to provide $25,000 over two years to the financially ailing women's basketball club was watered down.

Aldermen voted unanimously to defer the matter until they got a business case.

``When this representation was made . . . there was no business case, there is still no business case. I am loathe if I will go out and lend money to somebody or give money to somebody who can't give me a business case,'' Alderman Jim Cox said.

Tornadoes chairman Mark Thurlow addressed aldermen about the club's near collapse a few months ago.

Since then a new board had overseen the payment of all debts except $28,000.

Mr Thurlow said this was the first time in 17 years the club had sought money from the council.

Launceston Chamber of Commerce president Michael Bailey said hard times had translated into fewer businesses willing to sponsor sporting teams.

He said if the council sponsored the club economic and social benefits would flow to Launceston.

Club treasurer David Daking said a season cost $120,000 and after adding up private sponsorship pledges the Tornadoes were still $60,000 in the red.

Alderman van Zetten said sponsoring the Tornadoes, who travel up and down the eastern seaboard for games, was a ``good investment in the long run''.

His motion of $15,000 this year and $10,000 the next was dependent on the club spruiking Launceston in all its activities.

But he was happy to back an amended motion by Alderman Danny Gibson that limited funding to one year.

Several aldermen expressed concern it would set a precedent for other sporting clubs struggling financially.