New NBL chief executive Fraser Neill has some lofty goals for professional Australian basketball, namely a stronger connection with the NBA and a greater national presence.
Basketball’s popularity has rapidly dwindled after capturing the nation’s attention in the 80s and early 90s and has struggled in recent decades.
Strong followings in some places- namely Perth and New Zealand-, revamped arenas and news star attractions (hello, James Ennis) have recaptured the attention of some, however basketball in Australia is still a long way off from achieving respect needed at home and on the international stage among other club competitions.
Neill has held the role of chief exec for just three weeks, but believes he can deliver on some of the league’s goals.
“There’s a lot to do but we have a five-year plan for growth in teams, growth in commercial revenue in terms of broadcast and sponsorship, improved conditions for players and participants and increasing the profile of the NBL,” Neil told News Limited.
“We also want the NBL to (again) be a realistic and viable pathway for players through to the NBA.”
Working towards making the NBL a viable option for on-the-cusp NBA players would go a long way in improving the overall standing of the game. The language, weather and living standard should all represent positives when attracting major talent.
“Obviously the NBA is very important to us,” Neill said.
“Basketball is the second biggest participant sport in this country. We need to have some meaningful relationship with the NBA.”
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Also a high priority is the NBL’s presence on free-to-air television.
The NBL currently broadcasts on Ten and One and has a deal with the Perform Group, streaming games internationally as part of a bigger package including the Euroleague, Europe’s top club competition featuring teams from 18 different countries, however the sport’s standing on Australian television is far from a broadcaster’s priority.
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