NBL to reintroduce All-Star game

The continuing resurgence of the National Basketball League will take another leap forward with the reintroduction of the popular All-Star Game as a pre-Christmas classic during season 2012/13 of the iiNet NBL Championship season.

The 2012 NBL All-Star Game will be held on 23rd December, with the iiNet NBL Championship draw featuring a bye for all clubs on the weekend between Rounds 11 and 12 to accommodate the event.

The last NBL All-Star Game was held in December 2007, when the Aussie All-Stars team defeated the World All-Stars, 146-141.

The reborn 2012 event will see 20 of the top players in the iiNet NBL Championship feature on two teams, with the full format of the NBL All-Star Game to be released at a later date.

Basketball Australia Chairman Kristina Keneally says the move to reintroduce the game is timed to capitalise on the recent growth in the NBL, stating "over the past few seasons the NBL has been gathering momentum, as evidenced by our three years of consecutive growth in attendance.

"We believe the time is now right to re-introduce the All-Star Game to the NBL calendar and the groundswell of support from the fans has been overwhelming with 90% of fans in a recent poll wanting to see the All-Star game back.

"This event has always been popular with the public and we see a myriad of ways that we can engage and interact with fans both in the lead-up and during the event, particularly in the social media space.

"Furthermore it provides another vehicle to build the profile of our best talent and helps us grow the public connection with these heroes in our league, as well as giving us additional commercial opportunities in terms of sponsorship and licensing revenues.

"An All-Stars event is something that is synonymous with basketball internationally, and we are determined to develop the event into not just a single game but a total celebration of our great sport."

While the full calendar of events for All-Stars and the host venue will be revealed at a later date, it is anticipated that there will be a range of events which will span the three days from 21st to 23rd December 2012.

Fans will also be given the opportunity to have their say on the composition and make-up of the event.

The 2012/13 iiNet NBL Championship season is expected to tip-off in early October 2012.

For more information go to www.nbl.com.au