Geelong NBL hopes rise with arena proposal

NBL CEO David Stevenson says the League would 'strongly consider' a Geelong NBL bid if the council-proposed sports and entertainment centre at Geelong Arena was given the green light.

In an interview with CODE Sports, Stevenson said the stadium was the 'missing piece' in a potential new licence to accompany the WNBL's Geelong Venom.

“(We) see this as an incredible opportunity for Geelong to have a brand-new stadium, with the ability to attract 8,000 fans to top-tier sports and entertainment events,” Stevenson said to CODE Sports.

“With the unprecedented interest and growth the NBL is currently experiencing, this would compel us to strongly consider a new license for a club in Geelong.

“It would also be a welcome addition for the region’s WNBL team, the Geelong Venom, and enable them to attract a bigger audience and experience enhanced game days in much needed state-of-the-art facilities.”

The City of Greater Geelong council’s Basketball and Netball Needs Analysis from February 2022 recommended an indoor sports venue with a show court catering for up to 5,000 spectators, which would complement the planned convention centre.

A Geelong franchise, the Supercats last played in the NBL in 1996, having joined the League in 1982.

Read the full story here >> The NBL supports the City of Greater Geelong’s arena upgrade plans