Launceston's Silverdome will host up to six NBL games in the coming months as part of a new agreement with the New Zealand Breakers.
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The Breakers will make Tasmania their home base for a block of up to six weeks from April in a deal that will be finalised in the coming weeks.
The arrangement will whet the NBL appetite of Launceston basketball fans as the Tasmania JackJumpers prepare for their inaugural season in 2021-22.
The state government will contribute $750,000 to the deal, some of which will go towards Silverdome infrastructure upgrades.
NBL1 South outfit Launceston Tornadoes are likely to re-work their fixture, which was finalised just weeks ago, to pave the way for double-headers at the 5000-capacity venue.
NBL owner Larry Kestelman welcomed the news.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the NBL in Tasmania ahead of the entry of the JackJumpers next season," he said.
"We have always said we want basketball to be the number one sport in Tasmania and we thank the Premier and the Tasmanian government for bringing NBL games to Tasmania this season.
"The JackJumpers will assist the NBL in running these games and they are a great opportunity for Tasmanians to come and enjoy world class sport."
Tasmania has enjoyed increased access to high-class basketball in recent years, including hosting the NBL Blitz and Southern Huskies' New Zealand NBL home games in 2019.
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said the Breakers' arrival spelt more good news for elite sport in the state.
"Tasmania continues to punch above our weight on the national sporting stage and these games will put our state in the national spotlight ahead of the Tasmania JackJumpers' entry to the NBL later this year," Mr Gutwein said.
"It's great news for the Tasmanian public, with economic and social benefits to flow from hosting the games and increased exposure for our state, with games to be broadcast throughout Australia on SBS and ESPN and in New Zealand on SKY Sport.
"Australia is waking up to Tasmania's potential as a player on the national sporting scene and this is another important marker in our plan to secure elite sports that deliver numerous economic and social benefits, as well as positioning Tasmania as a destination of choice for visitors."
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Hamish Geale
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
