HO - I like the questions. Don;pt have answers, as I'm not inside the tent, but here are my thoughts.
I preface this with the observation that BA probably sees the NBL as a combination of development league and a promotional vehicle for the sport of men's basketball in Australia. Much like the way I think FFA uses the soccer A-league. KK said the other day that BA don't expect any Boomers to playing in the NBL in a couple of years' time and I feel the same. Players will develop to and in the NBL and then decide whether to head overseas for the big bucks, unless the NBL becomes successful enough to drive large salary increases without bankrupting any clubs. Players getting too old to continue overseas will return to play out their careers in the NBL.
"- should BA have the right to approve or disapprove the rules under which the league plays"
Yes, within limits. Probably to the extent of on-court rules but not for operational things like salary caps, points system, club ownership requirements.
"- should BA have the right to offer the Boomers and Opals as part of any future rights deals"
Not sure what you mean here.
"- should certain properties be carved off and sit solely with BA (airline deal for example - might not be the best example but still an example)"
No. I support a full split of commercial arrangements. The new league should not have to wonder about the implications for BA's programs of commercial arrangements and vice versa. That's part of the problem. That doesn't stop NBL and BA entering into an alliance or joint agreements for some commercial arrangements. That happens all the time in business and still allows the parties to step away if it becomes better for them to do so. NBL could even subcontract BA or vice versa, for some things (e.g., to supply suitably qualified referees).
"- should BA have a right to claim a share of revenue from the league in return for issuing the license to run the competition?"
Yes - but I would prefer this to happen through some form of licence arrangement. e.g., annual licence fee negotiated between the parties and they might look at revenue projections in setting the fee.
"- should BA have the right to veto season timings to ensure a successful international calendar?"
Difficult one but I think no. None of the current Boomers playing overseas are in leagfues who have BA settign their timetables. Similarly for the juniors playing at colleges overseas. As per above, in a few years, most NBL players won't have international commitments to worry about. There may be a residual issue for juniors who've made it to the NBL and second or third tier Boomers who will only play in friendlies. If NBL is to be successful, it needs to have flexibility to run its season and games when they will make the most money, through ticket sales and media rights. I wouldn't want to sacrifice that opportunity for meaningless international games. If there are Boomers playing in the NBL, they would have the clout to negotiate contracts with clauses allowing them to participate in selected tournaments and Boomers' camps. If they can;t negotiate that, see above re Boomers currently playing overseas.
