NBL looks to develop China-based franchise

With Australia's National Basketball League (NBL) looking to expand into Asia it has been reported that a new club, sharing a base between China and the Gold Coast, is being planned.

A report in Melbourne newspaper the Herald Sun, the new NBL club will be made up predominantly of Chinese free agents and some imports and would be based part-time on the Gold Coast.

Under the bold proposal, the new club will have a strong connection with the Gold Coast, where it will play at least some of its home games and base itself while in Australia.

As revealed in the report, the NBL has sought approval from the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and FIBA for a new entity to join its competition.

NBL Executive Director Larry Kestelman stated that adding a new team from China would be a “game-changer”, explaining "we’re in the hands of the CBA and we have to always respect FIBA, and the ultimate decision will be with them and if they allow it."

The report also suggests that the NBL is considering future expansion into the Philippines.

In developing the NBL, Kestelman has often been reported as wanted to expand the competition in Asia.

Image: Larry Kestelman (centre).

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