The NBL is coming back to South East Melbourne, as the location of the league's ninth team is revealed.
“This is an exciting moment for the NBL as we announce a second team in Melbourne," NBL CEO Jeremy Loeliger said.
“We said when we granted the licence for a ninth team that its location would depend on having access to first class training, administrative and playing facilities.
"The investment in the State Basketball Centre and Melbourne Arena makes South East Melbourne the ideal location for the next NBL team.
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“It was unquestionably the deciding factor amongst a number of compelling propositions, and I applaud the Victorian Government and Knox City Council for their recognition of the importance of basketball in the Australian sporting landscape.
“Melbourne’s south east has long been the stronghold of basketball participation in Australia with about 100,000 of Victoria’s 240,000 total registered participants and it has a rich history in elite and community basketball.
“Melbourne United now has a strong foothold in the market, having won the NBL championship last season and attracting sell-out crowds at Melbourne Arena.
"The time is right for the introduction of a second team in Melbourne and to rebuild the NBL rivalries that the city was known for in the 80s and 90s.”
The South East Melbourne team will be headquartered at the State Basketball Centre and play games at Melbourne Arena, formerly Hisense Arena, starting in the 2019-20 season.
It will also play two regular season games at the State Basketball Centre each season, once the planned expansion at the venue is completed.
NBL great Tommy Greer is the general manager of the team, while Romie Chaudhari was awarded the licence.