General manager Justin Nelson has no doubts the men's National Basketball League will survive the coronavirus.
Justin Nelson Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The League has postponed the start of the 2020 season and they're now considering the feasibility of a modified competition that could potentially start in either late May or June.
The League, which was meant to start in April, has been through some tough financially times in recent years.
The Franklin Bulls were named to debut this season, replacing the Supercity Rangers, who breached their Participation Agreement last year.
Nelson says the clubs and the league are in a lot healthier situation now.
"I think in the last 12 months we've really shored up our business, our projected revenue at the moment is three-times higher than what it was 12 to 18 months ago."
"We've been working very hard with our teams for the last 18 months on the health and sustainability of their business so I'm confident that with the right decisions in what are unprecedented times, we can survive it as a business, absolutely."
Nelson says they're working on a modified competition with broadcast partners Sky Sport, all eight NBL men's teams and key stake holders.
A modified 2020 competition could only commence, at the earliest, in May or June.
"We are dealing with an unprecedented moment in our lives and while it comes with a level of uncertainty, the NBL Men's Board is working diligently to ensure the health and sustainability of the teams, the integrity of the competition and the well-being of players, coaches and employees is at the forefront of every decision, said Nelson.
A statement will come out later on Friday on the future of the NBL Women's competition was was due to start in late April.