NBL executive director Larry Kestelman is set to consider dismissing an established Tasmanian side for a vacant licence set down for the state.
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And the multi-millionaire owner is prepared for the NBL to run the club, taking on debts and responsibilities should the Southern Huskies not come up to scratch.
The Huskies that is owned by Justin Hickey and Mike Sutton bid for a licence last year but were knocked back.
"What we plan to do is we'll go into a process to identify the right owners," he said.
"The NBL will own the process of starting the team and we'll go a dual process of looking for an owner.
"But we certainly will be happy to talk to the Huskies if they're still interested.
"We're happy to talk to anyone - it's all about finding the right owners for that team that will love it and continue our mandate.
"If we don't find the right owners, the NBL will continue to run the licence for as long as we need to. There is no actual pressure on us have to find an owner."
Kestelman had advised the disappointed Huskies to seek entry into the New Zealand NBL in the meantime.
But Kestelman admitted he had some concerns about giving the nod to the Huskies no questions asked.
"I think it helps that they have an existing team, but I have just say I just listen to people about them," he said.
"I have probably had some mixed results, speaking totally openly. So we've had mixed results from the locals, but I think it will be about assessing it all at the time.
"I want to give everyone a chance to do the right thing and if they are in the right position and we feel that they are capable, we'll definitely consider them for a licence."
"I want to get to know this part of the world," he said.
"It is even interesting to understand there is a divide.
"To me, Tasmania is Tasmania, not north and south."
"It will be completely, unequivocally and unconditionally a Tasmanian team, not a Hobart team."