Ambitious plans over a Tasmanian club returning to the NBL after more than two decades have been given a sizeable boost on Tuesday.
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NBL executive chairman Larry Kestelman confirmed in Hobart that the NBL Blitz will be played throughout Tasmania for an historic first-time ever since the preseason series began in 2009-10.
Launceston and Hobart will host a lion's share of 15 games involving nine teams.
"We plan to get around as much of the state as we can - that's our commitment to the people," Kestelman said.
"This initiative is to bring basketball whether its for the preseason or bring a Tassie team here. It's not about just Hobart or Launceston, but to get the whole state behind it."
"It is all a part of our mission to see if we can bring an actual NBL club to Tasmania," he said, "but there is still a little bit of work to go."
The league owner is negotiating with Glenorchy City Council to buy the Derwent Entertainment Centre that will eradicate a council debt.
Kestelman is on the verge of striking a deal with council for the DEC less than a year after Huskies owner Justin Hickey showed his interest.
He admitted a venue takeover is the first step towards securing state government backing for an NBL team.
"It's definitely a part of the initiative," Kestelman said.
"We want to bring basketball to Tasmania - the National Basketball League wants basketball here.
"Both the government and ourselves are committed to do everything we can."
Kestelman felt confident the four days of the NBL Blitz will sell out after "feeling the buzz" around the state.
"I'd definitely be disappointed if the crowds didn't turn out," Kestelman said.
"It would send a signal that maybe we're not on a mark, but I'd doubt that from the sort of interest we've had."
Tasmanian taxpayers will foot a share of the bill for staging the tournament over September 19-22.
Kestelman said he would cover the additional costs excluding airfares, hotels and travel within the state.
"All the money is going to stay in the state, but we'll be spending more than the government has suggested - it's a pretty big circus," he said.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Jeremy Rockliff believed the $300,000 investment will be good value.
Rockliff said that "anything is possible" over suggestions to accelerate a Tasmanian NBL team for 2020-21.
"So 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," he said.