NBL targets more games, content

NBL owner Larry Kestelman says playing more games is the way forward for the League, as it looks to grow its fanbase and become “the AFL of the Summer”.

Pointing to the NBA’s 82-game regular season to highlight the appetite for basketball, Kestelman says it will be a conservative and systematic build, but ultimately an increase in content is on the cards in years to come.  

“The best outlook is that we’re playing more and more games, continuing to grow the audience and the fans,” he said on NBL Overtime. 

“I don’t know how many years … but over the next few years I’d love to see games being played every night. 

“To the point where it’s seven days a week, where you know that there’s consistency, that there’s a game on Monday through to Sunday.

“That’s what I’d love to see.

“You look at the NBA, they play 80-plus games. Our regular season is 28, so I think that’s something to stay tuned.”

Kestelman doubled down on the need for further teams in the competition, particularly following the incredible success and interest in the Tasmania JackJumpers. 

“We’re cooking up a lot of interesting things and it’s all about growth. It’s all about fans, it’s all about growing the NBL,” he added. 

“I think our League does need more teams. You’ve seen the success of the JackJumpers, so continuing that growth with the clubs is really important.”