The foundations for a ninth NBL team have officially been laid, with the league revealing Romie Chaudhari has been awarded a license for a new club.
The new team will enter the league in the 2019/2020 season, with the NBL and Chaudhari set to work together to determine the best location for the club.
The Age has reported Melbourne is in doubt to secure the second franchise, with the league concerned about stadium availability.
However, the Herald Sun has reported Melbourne is the preferred home for the team, with Tasmania, Perth and Gold Coast also mentioned as possibilities.
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“We are delighted to welcome Romie to the NBL,” league boss Larry Kestelman said in a statement.
“His investment continues the recent trend of influential business people returning to the sport of basketball in Australia and, in particular, to the NBL.
“It gives me great confidence in the continuing growth of the NBL that successful, business minded people are seeing the same potential that keeps me so committed to this sport.
“A big part of the decision making process about where we locate the new team will be ensuring it has access to world class training and facilities that are up to NBL standards.”
NBL CEO Jeremy Loeliger said they would select the “most suitable” location for the new team.
Chaudhari is the co-owner of English soccer club Swansea City, along with being the co-owner of eSports team, Immortals.
He also has a small stake in the New Zealand Breakers, but it’s unknown what will happen with that relationship.
“Wherever we end up locating this team, I want it to unify and represent the community and help build a world class team fans can be proud of,” Chaudhari said.
“The NBL is coming off a record season in attendance, broadcast audiences and corporate support and there couldn’t be a better time to be involved in Australian basketball.”
AFL clubs have been interested in securing an ownership stake in a NBL team, a partnership that is still likely to occur in the future.
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