A majority vote in favour of proceeding has brought the Gold Coast one step closer to securing an NBL team, with plans for a new stadium “likely to go ahead.” While city leaders are cautiously optimistic, the bid’s success still depends on securing key funding and a long-term agreement with the NBL.
The proposal centres on securing a 10-year deal with the NBL and obtaining 50% of the funding from the state government for capital works and operational costs. Although the council strongly backed the initiative, the project’s viability is directly tied to this state’s financial assistance. Without it, plans for the stadium—seen as crucial to the bid’s success—could be reconsidered.
In a recent closed-door meeting, councillors voted in favour of Mayor Tom Tate, who approached the state government to request funding support. The key to the bid is the construction of a new stadium, likely at Southport’s Carey Park, though upgrades to Broadbeach’s sports precinct are also being considered as an alternative if Carey Park faces delays. However, the deal is conditional on the government covering 50% of the costs, without which the council could shelve its plans, jeopardising the entire NBL bid.
Mayor Tate underscored the importance of Carey Park in Southport as the preferred stadium location while highlighting the plan’s flexibility with Broadbeach only serving as a backup option if delays occur.
Residents have received mixed reactions to the proposed stadium’s location at Southport’s Carey Park, with some suggesting the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre as a more appropriate venue.
“The NBL licence won’t come to fruition without the state’s contribution. This isn’t just about basketball; it’s about creating a venue that can host international events, concerts, and more, driving growth and tourism for the Gold Coast.” said Tate.
Support for the bid isn’t unanimous. Councillors Brooke Patterson and Naomi Fowler voiced opposition, stating that there is currently not enough space for community sports and questioning the readiness of the Gold Coast for an NBL team.
“We need to ensure that community facilities are not overshadowed by big-ticket sports ventures,” Councillor Patterson said.
“The priority should be on ensuring existing community sports have adequate space before pushing forward with major league investments”, Fowler said.
Supporters of the bid, like Councillor Bob La Castra, view the 50% government funding as essential. He highlighted that the NBL team is unlikely to become a reality without this financial commitment. Mayor Tate reinforced this sentiment, stressing that the state government’s contribution is vital, saying, “The NBL licence won’t come to fruition” without their backing.
Adding to the excitement is the possibility of the Gold Coast team being structured as a “Next Stars” development squad. This franchise could become a hub for nurturing top-tier young talent, both local and international, following a model that has already proven successful for the league. There are even rumours linking basketball star Carmelo Anthony to a leadership role in the project, which would further raise the team’s profile.
The Next Stars initiative provides a pathway for elite young players to develop their skills while preparing for NBA opportunities. This innovative approach would attract investment and attention to the Gold Coast franchise, aligning with the NBL’s broader goals of talent development and global expansion. Mayor Tate and other supporters see this as a forward-thinking strategy that could benefit both the city and the league.
In a recent Aussie Hoopla podcast, NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger confirmed that discussions about a Next Stars-focused team have been ongoing for some time, with the Gold Coast emerging as a potential location.
“There’s certainly a conversation that has been discussed for quite a long time now… It’s still a bit of an unknown and being worked through if indeed it happens at all.” Loeliger noted.
Loeliger also highlighted that the league’s collective bargaining agreement already allows for such a team, making the concept more realistic as plans progress.
The proposed stadium is expected to deliver significant economic benefits to the Gold Coast, boosting local businesses, creating jobs, and attracting more tourism to the area. However, some councillors and residents have raised concerns about community access, worried that the focus on an NBL team could limit the facility’s availability for local sports and events.
Timing is also a key consideration. If funding is secured, construction could begin within a year, with the stadium potentially ready for the 2025 NBL season. The council is eager to move forward, though any delays could impact this timeline. The flexibility of considering upgrades to Broadbeach as a backup option enhances the likelihood that the project will proceed, even if challenges arise.
On the other hand, Councillor Bob La Castra is confident that 50% of government funding will come through, highlighting that past support for local sports teams sets a favourable precedent. He stated that “securing the NBL license won’t be possible without this government backing.”
Overall, the proposal represents a unique opportunity for the Gold Coast to join the NBL, with the potential Next Stars focus offering added appeal. However, the bid’s success remains tied to securing the necessary state government funding. As discussions continue, optimism is building that the Gold Coast is on track to become the NBL’s next major expansion market, bringing both sporting excitement and economic growth to the city.
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
