On the day when the NBL was taking poll’s on the amount of music that is appropriate to play at NBL venues, one could be excused for thinking that it was a quiet news day.
There was however the small story halfway up the east Australian coast that may have a tiny effect on the NBL next year.
Basketball Australia and the NBL after much speculation and delay finally released an official statement about the future of the Gold Coast Blaze. But for fans that were looking for something decisive, that was not the case.
Close of business last Friday the 13th of July was supposedly the final deadline to show that the Blaze license was viable and to demonstrate the one million dollar guarantee. As the clock struck 5pm and ticked onwards, the NBL didn’t release an official statement.
It was understood that instead of the Blaze providing these crucial elements to continue in the league, the owners were making a new business proposal to the NBL. Much to the annoyance and curiosity of basketball fans, none of this was communicated till hours later by the league office.
The proposal involved a partnership with the Gold Coast Basketball Association, building on similar initiatives as the Wollongong Hawks and the Cairns Taipans.
While Basketball Australia agreed that the proposal is a “good start” that they support in principal, they have made it clear that this concept needs to be fleshed out further before any further decision can be made.
There are now two new deadlines. But we all know how Basketball Australia are with them!
The club’s owners have been asked to confirm the following by the 31st of July:
- Irrefutable evidence that the club is able to put in place the current NBL required bank guarantee of $1 million;
- Detailed confirmation of major funding sources, as well as evidence of the working capital requirements of $500,000
The second deadline, the 31st of August, will require absolute and unconditional repayment of the debt that is outstanding to Basketball Australia. This will include providing the one million dollar bank guarantee and working capital requirements.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of Basketball Australia Scott Derwent made it clear that the board had a responsibility to the league and broader basketball community to uphold.
“This proposal is a good start which BA supports in principle – but the reality is it needs to be fleshed out further.
“Ultimately, BA has a responsibility to the league and the broader basketball community to insist the Blaze moves forward with a viable and sustainable business model.
“That is why the Board has asked the owners of the Blaze to provide further detailed information before the club’s participation in the 2012/13 season can be approved.”
The NBL and Basketball Australia have given the Gold Coast Blaze every opportunity to remain a part of the league for next season. Their handling of deadlines though and their ability to communicate decisions leave a lot to be desired.
Anyway, enough wasting time on trivial issues. Back to that damn music dilemma!
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