NBL basketball has arrived in Tasmania a little earlier than planned. While the state prepares for the newest NBL franchise, the Tasmania JackJumpers to debut in next years NBL competition, The NZ Breakers will call Tasmania home for up to six weeks in April/May.
The move is a result of COVID-19 limiting overseas travel and the Tasmanian Government’s decision to help support the team and the NBL buy investing $750,000 on this initiative which will cover operational and game day costs as well as an investment into new permanent infrastructure at the Launceston Silverdome. The improvements to the Silverdome will be used for these games and future JackJumpers home games in the coming seasons.
The Launceston Tornadoes will also be included where possible, with plans to have Breakers/Tornadoes doubleheaders on as many dates as possible.
“Tasmania continues to punch above our weight on the national sporting stage and these games will put our State in the national spotlight ahead of the Tasmanian JackJumpers’ entry to the NBL later this year” Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said.
“It’s great news for the Tasmanian public, with economic and social benefits to flow from hosting the games and increased exposure for our State, with games to be broadcast throughout Australia on SBS and ESPN and in New Zealand on SKY Sport.
“Importantly, Tourism Tasmania campaigns will be promoted and Tasmania will gain valuable exposure across Australia but also globally with the NBL now considered one of the best basketball leagues in the world.
“The benefits will also flow through to Basketball Tasmania and basketball participation at all levels, and both the New Zealand Breakers and the NBL will engage with the basketball community across the State to provide training clinics and development opportunities.
“Australia is waking up to Tasmania’s potential as a player on the national sporting scene and this is another important marker in our plan to secure elite sports that deliver numerous economic and social benefits, as well as positioning Tasmania as a destination of choice for visitors.”
NBL Owner and Executive Chairman Larry Kestelman made not of the importance of Tasmania and it’s investment during this uncertain time.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the NBL in Tasmania ahead of the entry of the JackJumpers next season. We have always said we want basketball to be the number one sport in Tasmania and we thank the Premier and the Tasmanian Government for bringing NBL games to Tasmania this season.
“I also want to thank the Breakers for their support in what has been a challenging season for all of their players and staff. The JackJumpers will assist the NBL in running these games and they are a great opportunity for Tasmanians to come and enjoy world class sport.”
While it’s a shame the Breakers appear to have waved the white flag on their hope of playing any games in New Zealand during the 2020-21 NBL season the move allows the JackJumper’s front office a unique opportunity to experience NBL game day processes without having to scramble to do so on the team’s debut NBL game in 2022. No doubt it will lead to a smooth launch for the team and an exciting first game for the JackJumpers.
The Breakers have played all their NBL games on the road to date and had been hoping to return to New Zealand to host games in Auckland over the back half of the season when travel restrictions are lifted.
The Breakers meet the Brisbane Bullets in their next game (Wednesday 5 pm) of the NBL Cup. They are 2-6 for the season thus far but are coming off a 44-point victory over the Adelaide 36ers which saw them become the first team to take a maximum haul of 7 points (3 for the win, and 4 for claiming each quarter) in the NBL Cup scoring system.