Plans for a Tasmanian team to return to the NBL after more than two decades have been given a sizeable boost on Tuesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
NBL executive chairman Larry Kestelman confirmed that the NBL Blitz will be played in Tasmania for the first-time ever since the preseason tournament began in 2009-10.
But Kestelman hinted on Tuesday that it won't be the last time big-time basketball will have a presence in Tasmania.
"We are very excited to bring the NBL Blitz to Tasmania in September," Kestelman said.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to bring all of our teams and players here and engage with the Tasmanian people, as well as showcase some world-class basketball.
"Tasmania is a great sporting state and we want basketball to be its number-one sport.
Tasmanian taxpayers will be footing the bill for the staging of the tournament on September 19-22.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Jeremy Rockliff believed the $300,000 investment will be good value.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for Tasmanians to see games between all nine teams at both ends of the state with fans having the opportunity to meet players and take part in a range of community activities," he said.
"This government is very supportive of Tasmania securing a licence to participate in the NBL.
"Providing a pathway to elite level basketball is important for encouraging participation and developing grassroots basketball.
"We feel this contribution will help our push for a team of our own."