St Lukes Health’s name on playing singlets replaces the club’s long-time association with the Tasmanian-based company, Bellamy’s Organic.

Tornadoes chair Janie Finlay said the increased partnership was “a major boost”. 

The club kept tight-lipped over how much the deal was possibly worth, pointing to commercial-in-confidence for not disclosing it, other than to say the arrangement is “a significant amount”.

The cash injection comes after the 2018 SEABL women’s runners-up were forced to join North West Thunder and Hobart Chargers in finding a new competition following Basketball Australia’s decision to withdraw support for the league after 38 years.

Basketball Victoria has agreed to admit the three clubs into a new elite league, but the Tasmanians had bulked at paying for costs of up to $20,000 for Victorian rivals to travel for away games.

But under the proposal, the Tornadoes will partner the men’s Thunder side that could ensure home games are shared among both clubs.

Club general manager Corey Ackerly said the new sponsorship is a welcome relief ahead of more away trips, giving greater certainty to the community team ahead of a dawning of a new era.

“At this stage, we don’t know if we will send extra players [for away games] as this will depend on a number of factors, including the costs to play in the new league and what other sponsors we can get on board,” he said.

The Tornadoes say they will continue to work with Basketball Victoria around the details of the new league, including the proposed start date, player restrictions and home game requirements.