Statement On NBL Tasmania

Hungry Jack’s NBL Owner and Executive Chairman Larry Kestelman said: “The NBL remains in regular dialogue with the Tasmanian Government about plans for a 10^th team in Tasmania starting with the 2021-22 season.

“Clearly the Tasmanian Government has more important priorities right now as it tackles the impact of COVID-19 on the local community. We completely understand and support this and have agreed to put on hold activity in relation to the new team for the next two months to allow the Government to focus its efforts on protecting the community.

“We remain hopeful that this will not delay the team joining the competition for the 2021/22 season. However, the Derwent Entertainment Centre does require substantial redevelopment before the club can enter the NBL and so we will have to review the proposed timeframes periodically once we have a better idea of when work can commence on the refurbishment.

“An NBL team will give Tasmania a much deserved presence in a national sporting league that also has a global footprint. It will also deliver important economic benefits through the redevelopment of the DEC and much needed tourism benefits and jobs for Tasmania once COVID-19 has lifted. 

“Further, it will boost participation levels in the sport at a community level and be something all Tasmanians can enjoy and be proud of when life returns to normal.

“We thank the Tasmanian Government led by Premier Peter Gutwein for their ongoing support and we look forward to continuing to work together when the health threat eases to deliver an NBL team for the people of Tasmania.”