Canberra secures new NBL role amid expansion team hopes

Canberra is set to host an NBL Ignite Cup tournament after the league's decision to relocate the competition's finals from the Gold Coast to the city's AIS Arena. This move comes amid speculation that Canberra could become home to an expansion team in the 10-team NBL, which the league's executives aim to grow. Canberra's ACT government plans to build a convention and entertainment precinct capable of accommodating at least 8,000 spectators, a requirement for any new team.

NBL Group CEO David Stevenson expressed confidence in partnering with Basketball ACT to establish a formidable team, emphasizing the economic benefits of such a venture. ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr confirmed that at least 7,500 seats will be allocated for the event, noting that a basketball team's presence would be a key component of the precinct's business case.

While the AIS Arena is a suitable venue, it currently holds a maximum of 5,000 spectators, a limitation the capital aims to overcome. The tournament will feature the top four teams competing for a share of $550,000, with semifinals set for February 19 and a championship game on February 21. Additionally, the NBL's MVP Awards will shift for the first time in over a decade to the Great Hall in Canberra's Parliament House.