Basketball Victoria partners with NBL to launch NBL1 league

The senior elite winter league that is set to replace SEABL, has finally been unveiled.

In a media release earlier today, Basketball Victoria confirmed a partnership with the National Basketball League (NBL) that will tip off on 29 March 2019.

Known as NBL1, the new league will consist of 18 clubs and will feature both men’s as well as women’s teams. It will be played across 15 rounds, with a four-week finals series.

Inaugural franchises include: Albury-Wodonga, Ballarat, Bendigo, Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence (ACT), Dandenong, Diamond Valley, Eltham, Frankston, Geelong, the Hobart Huskies, Kilsyth, Knox, Melbourne, North West Thunder / Launceston (co-licensees), Nunawading, Ringwood, Sandringham and Waverley.

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“NBL1 will be the premier league in Australia after the NBL and WNBL, showcasing Australia’s best emerging talent and many other professional players.” NBL Chief Executive Jeremy Loeliger said. “NBL1 will strengthen the pathway from the junior levels all the way through to the NBL, WNBL and ultimately the Boomers and Opals helping develop the next generation of stars.

“Importantly it will feature both women’s and men’s teams, and be a league all females and males coming through junior ranks can aspire to play in.”

Basketball Australia's acting CEO, Paul Maley was very complimentary of the announcement. “This is another great example of Australian basketball working together to generate positive outcomes for the game and grow our great sport.

“The NBL has done an incredible job over the past few years and the naming rights deal with Basketball Victoria will benefit the league from the NBL’s expertise in sponsorship, media and marketing and the NBL will gain increased exposure for its brand.”

For more information on the NBL1 league, head over to the official NBL1 website at www.nbl1.com.au.