Kestelman Provides Newcastle Expansion Update

NBL Owner Larry Kestelman has revealed the “lack of venue” is the biggest roadblock to Newcastle’s bid for an expansion team.

Newcastle is one of many cities interested in an NBL team, as the league fields unprecedented levels of interest across the country.

Speaking to the Newcastle Herald, Kestelman explained how the stadium issue needs to be resolved for a team to be considered.

“The No.1 thing that stops Newcastle in its tracks right now is the lack of a venue,” Kestelman said.

“We will not go to a tired, old venue with limited seating and limited corporate facilities. For us, to put a team in where they don’t have the right venue is an absolute no go.”

Newcastle is a strong basketball region, with the Falcons competing in the NBL from 1979-1999 and the Hunter Pirates from 2003-2006.

The Falcons continue to play in NBL1 East, which tips off this weekend.

Kestelman would welcome an NBL return for Newcastle, but says the city needs to meet four key criteria, as does every potential expansion team.

“We would love to see Newcastle back in the NBL under the right circumstances. There are four factors we have to tick off in considering a new franchise – venue, government (support), community and corporate,” he said.

Kestelman added “it is a question of government and venue” for Newcastle.

The Newcastle Herald reported in November plans for the government to build a new 11,000 seat entertainment centre, but that has not been confirmed.