Hub in the Heartland?

Heartland hoops lovers could be in for a treat this summer with the possibility of an NBL hub in Victoria, according to The Age.

The report suggests a Victorian hub hosting all nine NBL clubs could tip off the 2020/21 season following the conclusion of the Australian Open.

Victoria is widely considered the home of Australian basketball and boasts the country’s best facilities both in metropolitan and regional areas.

Melbourne Arena would likely be the centrepiece venue for the proposed hub.

Outer suburban venues like the State Basketball Centre (home of the Phoenix) and Dandenong Stadium also haven’t been ruled out to host games, as well as regional Victorian towns Bendigo and Ballarat who have both recently updated their stadiums.

(NBL games at the State Basketball Centre were a hit with the Heartland faithful)

Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer hopes to see a basketball frenzy in Victoria to tip off the season to reward the loyalty of the club’s fanbase.

“Victoria is home to the most passionate basketball fans in the country bar none and a hoops frenzy to tip off NBL21 would be an incredible celebration of the sport after arguably the toughest year of the game’s history,” Greer said.

“The stadiums in the South East region are more than capable of hosting exciting NBL fixtures and we’re keen to repay the faith of our community with the best show in town.”

The NBL are expected to make a call in the next four weeks on where the season will commence so fixtures, pre-season training, accommodation and player signings can be finalised.

The ability to have fans attend games is a major factor in discussions and a significant reason for the delay of the NBL21 season.

"The NBL is absolutely confident that Victoria would be able to host our clubs in a hub if that's what we decide to do this season," NBL CEO Jeremy Loeliger told The Age.

"Having had some very positive talks with the Victorian government, we are very confident that they are well on the way to preparing the state to be open for business by the new year, and that sport and major events are going to play an important role.

"We are seeing transmissions numbers coming down and see no reason why Victoria wouldn't be in as strong a position as anybody else to host a hub if that's ultimately what we need."

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Phoenix Media (18/09/2020)