If you want to own the new team can you name them whatever you want or is there an expectation they'll be called the Devils?

With things like this, you almost need to headhunt rather than call for expressions of interest.

Smacks of unprofessionalism. Normally this kind of thing should be kept quiet and the NBL speak to the relevant people behind the scenes.

It's a good way of publicly attracting other parties who might have an interest so then can potentially become part of a consortium with those the NBL has already been having discussions with.

what Paul said

Yep - agree with Paul

I couldn't be happier to be hearing this in the public arena.

We have a state that has a Sheffield shield/BB/1day team and a V8 Supercars race and some AFL matches but they feel they are always being looked over as not being big enough or important enough. Time to stop the excuses and unite and prove to every other sport that they should be considered and doing it this way IS the best way to get the right people... If your down there and don't think you can help then that's too bad, you miss out but hopefully you can help with membership or sponsorship later on.

Whilst I hope the results of the EoI aren't made public early on and this isn't fast tracked and it takes as long as it takes to get the right people in the right positions.

Totally agree that it's the last chance that the state has in the NBL and hopefully it works out... Would a community model work with this team if it had to come to that?

I don't think Tasmania Tigers would be the best name anyway as that's the cricket team... I think it should be the Tassie Devils... Eliminate Hobart from the name and have Hobart's, Launceston Casino city and Devonport Warriors history (maybe separate jerseys for when they play at Hobart, Devonport and Launceston) with the Launceston casino city banner hanging up at Launceston games and if any jerseys need to be retired from past teams then they could be in those separate stadiums too!

As for road games a white jersey with the 3 primary colours of the 3 teams mentioned above down the side and a big scary Tassie devil of the front of the jersey.

I'd love if they could have involvement in the save the Tassie devil charity that is for finding a cure against the cancer killing those little legends.

Tasmania always seems to get supply from Cascade so it will be interesting if NBL once again allows for alcohol sponsorship. I know I'd rather Cascade's $ than another dead team

Is Cadbury still there on the river ??? or the Casino as well. Lots more options than you think. The Ferries !!! Deals for travel over the straight and accom at the Casino and a game.... Sweet weekend trip. Good for tourism, stay a while !!! could be a slogan…. State Gove may be interested in a deal with the tourism dept….

Promoting history is something Aussie basketball actually has over even the more established sports in some cases, yes it should be done whenever possible.

At least Hobart had a decent venue ready to be used. The Derwent Entertainment Centre seats 5,400 which in this league is still good.

Wow mate that was quite the rant, well done!

Well I'm pleased the sponsors are there and I hope they get big $ for their sponsorship.

As for what I said earlier about having Devenport (blue and green) Hobart (dark green. Red and yellow) and if they travel to Launceston or Burnie or Ulverstone or wherever else (apologies if I'm wrong in any way) then they play in that regions home colours for the game... Away jersey would be white with a culmination of the other colours from around the state. Those jerseys can be sold at each stadium and they could earn some extra $ on merchandise by not shitting on any part of Tasmania and well Townsville keep coming out with some great jerseys (indigenous and rememberance day) and they look great.

I know people will say that it is say too confusing but Tasmanians are unique and their state offers the league a unique challenge to unify passionate supporters throughout the state so let them me unique and represent the state.

Another alternative is to do a half/half Hobart/Launceston jersey but that could look too busy but its food for thought

tasmanian devils
the ned kellys

Anon 244, you would still have an EOI or proposal process to make a final selection, but the NBL would be looking for some basketball experience and a solid base as part of that process. You need to have a targeted approach IMO.

Take a large corporation for example. When the CEO leaves they don't just drop an advert on Seek for any mug to apply. They approach people they know can do the job.

Same deal here. The NBL is looking for a Tasmanian based team. The NBL would (should) know what works and what they need so based on that there are probably about half a dozen options available. Anyone who is interested in it would be talking and mustering support. If there were a few groups they would know roughly who was out there.

I would like to see Tasmania back in the nbl. If Townsville can have a team then surely Tassie deserves one.

Someone mentioned an indigenous uniform.. I think that would be perfect for a NT team.. I absolutely think there should be a push to get NT involved.. they have no sports team that I am aware of... I think the community could get right behind the game.

Anon Where the Heck does it say they have met half a dozen groups????

"The NBL has called for Expressions of Interest submissions for the running of a new Tasmanian licence.

It is part of an expansion program that would see new teams added to the NBL for the commencement of the 2015/16 season.

An advertising campaign commenced in Tasmanian newspapers today with details of the process and its objectives.

A copy of the advertisement can be found here:

The release of EOI details follows a recent visit to Tasmania by NBL Chief Executive Fraser Neill to explore the viability of expanding the League into the region.

NBL CEO visits Tasmania with expansion on the horizon

A Tasmanian based team has not played in the NBL since the Hobart Devils left the competition in 1996. The Launceston Casino City Tigers played in the NBL for three seasons, winning the Championship in 1981."

The link provides no other details, or the story has been removed.

If you are aware of the half dozen groups, list them.

"1/2 doz groups no." = "1/2 doz groups said no." - ?
"One and they have met, read the articles on line to try an understand." - I assume when you say "One" you mean Channel One - the TV network broadcasting the NBL?
Did you mean "Channel One and the NBL have met, read the articles on line to try to understand."
"The NBL approached one group in Tassie, not the other way around." - which group.


Please try to be more lucid when structuring your discussions. If English is your first language may I suggest you talk to your former teacher about learning you gooder grammar than what they did when youse were at skool.

Pure gold Jack Toft. You are one of the best writers on this forum. Shut that anon up, if he/she is smart they will remain anonymous.

I'm just hoping to see passion from Tasmanians and NBL fans that want to see the league expand and prosper!

We added NZ Breakers and at the time they seemed a bit risky adding them but looking back they have been such a success and I'm sure NBL has no worries about them and with them being the newest of the current teams we can only hope that Hobart are in NZ's situation in 5-10 years along with all the other teams.

I mentioned that Townsville wore the indigenous jersey this round and I quite liked it.

If NT get a team then yeah I think theirs would look good, but with this round being indigenous round it would have been fantastic to have every team with special jerseys like AFL does and another good merchandising opportunity for teams

Had a quick look at Derwent Entertainment Center.

Looks very nice and a perfect size as well.

Agree with proud re: Breakers being risky

Also, the Breakers had so many issues at the start, which could have derailed the entire franchise almost immediately -- 2-10 record through first 12 games, Greens firing and Bouchers text messages, the 9-23 record and wooden spoon in their second season, 11 straight losses in their 3rd season.

Throw in the venue changing, the fact they were out of touch with the community and had a bunch of Australians without any Kiwis and the coaching/personnel changes and its quite amazing they made it through.

Perhaps the Breakers had a plan A,B,C to Z and entered the league with low expectations, meaning when the worst did happen, they were prepared for it??

without many Kiwis*

Wonder if David Walsh (MONA) is either interested in basketball or could be involved? He has his riches and doesn't seem disinterested in putting Tasmania (or at least the Hobart region) on the map. Combine that with Cadburys, Cascade and Tasmanian tourism and there are a few who could help make it work. Tasmania is a great place to visit and has its share of NBL athletes and a bit of strength in their SEABL teams. As long as it's viable, I'm all for them joining.

I think Walsh could pay up and still be alright. His systems sound pretty solid.

Not sure if the original owners of the Breakers are the same as now, but the current owners are the Blackwells, owners of a Pak 'n Save store.

Thought I read that money had been put up to bring back Cadbury tours? From News.com.au -

Tony Abbott pledges $16m towards Cadbury factory revamp in Tasmania

TONY Abbott has defended his gifting of $16 million of taxpayer money to a multiple-billion dollar overseas company, saying its doesn't mean there's no longer a budget emergency.
On a visit to Tasmania today, the Opposition Leader pledged the money towards a $66 million upgrade of the Cadbury chocolate factory in Claremont, in the seat if Denison, currently held by the Independent MP Andrew Wilkie

Cadbury's Tasmanian operation's contribute $550 to the state's economy, but the factory's allure as a tourist destination has faded since guided tours stopped in 2008.

Cadbury is now owned by American multinational Kraft and the revamp is expected to see the tours recommence with the construction of a new visitor centre.

Cadbury contributes a whole $550 to Tasmania, hey. Raking it in, I see.

Given that the Lion is on the Tasmanian Coat of Arms then perhaps the Tasmanian Lions might be an option for a name

The Zoo Doo people might be interested in sponsoring since they have some lions in residence including a White Lion at one stage

Is it just me or is that article written with quotes entirely from other articles and press releases?

It doesnt actually seem to offer up any reason why the Tassie expansion would delay a move in Brisbane, nor offer any updates on the situation in Brissy. Strange article.