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Sydney Kings proprietor and chairman Paul Smith says he expects the town will once more host a second NBL franchise, however he warns there are challenges to be met earlier than that occurs.
Key factors:
- Sydney has beforehand had multiple franchise within the NBL
- Smith says “main infrastructure challenges” will should be addressed if there’s a second Sydney workforce
- He admits the Kings would profit from having a cross-town rival
The Kings — who’re defending NBL champions — presently have the NSW capital to themselves, though the town has been dwelling to different league franchises, such because the West Sydney Razorbacks.
The NBL has attracted wholesome crowds and inspiring TV viewers figures this season, with the table-topping Kings having accomplished their half to extend curiosity within the competitors.
To make the most of this renewed curiosity, the institution of a second Sydney franchise has been spoken about in basketball circles, and it’s a prospect Smith does not oppose.
However Smith mentioned the introduction of one other Sydney-based workforce would want to clear a number of hurdles earlier than it was given the inexperienced gentle.
“It is inevitable,” he informed ABC Sport.
“However there are some challenges … we expect they have to develop a market — one other geographic area of Sydney — and develop that.
“So I believe there are some main infrastructure challenges in that regard.”
Smith mentioned there have been “undoubtedly progress corridors” in Sydney for an growth workforce.
He mentioned a Sydney cross-town rivalry had the potential to be a boon for the NBL.
“Native derbies are incredible. They promote tickets, they drive curiosity … it actually drives that keenness, and we want that, and basketball can ship that,” Smith mentioned.
“So I believe it would occur. When it occurs, I am undecided, that is out of my pay grade. However we’re not objecting to it.
“We’re merely being reasonable about a few of the infrastructure challenges which will exit round it.”
The Kings will start the following stage of their championship defence after they play the Cairns Taipans in a best-of-three playoff sequence, which begins in Sydney on Wednesday evening.
The winner will face both the New Zealand Breakers or Tasmanian JackJumpers within the championship sequence.
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