Any truth that the team is to be sponsored by Singapore Pork a subsiduary of Singapore Beef with half games in Hunter and half out of Singapore the team will be known as the

Singapore Pork Hunter Pirates?

Relocating to Jamaica, to become: -

The Pirates of the Carribean

Sponsored by Disney

A report from ABC Newcastle says that Hunter Pirates chairman thinks it's highly unlikely that the city will have a basketball team next season.

He said that an announcement on the license will be made next week. It came down to a lack of sponsorship although support was high.

Also, that there was a possibility that the license will be transferred off shore.

So, nothing we don't already know!

What about the Pork Pirates?

Wow - they called a special press conference to tell us they would announce something the next week!

Whats the bet that the NBL has asked them to hold off on any negative announcements (as this is no doubt going to be) until after the finals?

some of the above posts are rubbish........the trick is working out which ones!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How about they get sponsored by Blockbuster Video? Then you could support the team of Video Piracy!

NBL statement on Hunter Pirates
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 04:06 PM
NBL

The National Basketball League Commissioner Rick Burton today released the following statement with regards to the Hunter Pirates:

"The Hunter Pirates today held a media conference in which they announced that it is likely the team will not be able to continue playing in the Philips Championship next season. Despite our best efforts to assist them, the team has been unable to secure the financial injection from their local business community necessary to continue operating."

"This development is obviously incredibly disappointing for the players, coaches, staff and fans of the Pirates, and our sympathies go out to them. Every possible assistance is being provided by the NBL to try to help the Pirates find a lifeline, but it appears highly unlikely that the current ownership will be able to sustain the team for another season."

"The Pirates owners, in full consultation with the League office, are currently talking to a number of interested parties who are bidding for the team's license presently held by Hunter Valley Pirates Sports. It is far too premature to identify publicly the groups in discussion with the Pirates. We are confident however the successful bidder for the license will be able to start play in season 2006/07, ensuring we return to a 12-team competition for the first time in three years."

"There is some significant due diligence which must be undertaken before the NBL Board can approve a license transfer and, if and when this has been successfully completed, we will release further details. It is a fair sign of the overall confidence in the League however that we have multiple groups looking to invest in a license and we believe some very positive opportunities for basketball can emerge out of the Pirates disappointment."

I'll be the first to say it....

They've had to (wait for it) WALK THE PLANK....YAAAAARGH!

Not sure if they even have plants in Newcastle any more but if they do it is a real shame that on the same day Hunter announce they probably arent gonna be around no more, BHP announce the biggest profit ever of 5.4 Billion. I know my grandfather and my Uncle in Newcastle both use to work for BHP but are both long retired.