Plans for a new 12,000-seat stadium in Southport have injected momentum into the Gold Coast’s bid for an NBL franchise, positioning the city as a frontrunner for league expansion by 2027. Set to overlook the scenic Broadwater at Carey Park, the proposed stadium has sparked confidence among NBL officials that the region could sustain a national basketball team.

NBL Chief Operating Officer Vince Crivelli expressed optimism, emphasizing that a world-class venue is essential for expansion.

“We are encouraged and supportive of the exciting progress on a potential new arena on the Gold Coast,” Crivelli said. “We have made no secret about our desire to establish a team in the region, and as with any expansion bid, a world-class venue is vitally important.”

This endorsement from NBL leadership signals growing support within the league for the Gold Coast’s return to top-tier basketball.

The city’s Mayor, Tom Tate, has been a vocal advocate for bringing an NBL team back to the Gold Coast. He acknowledged that previous efforts, including the Blaze franchise from 2007 to 2012, struggled due to the prohibitive venue costs at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.

“Historically, when we were a much smaller city, we did bite off more than we could chew,” Tate noted.

However, he believes the proposed Southport stadium offers a fresh start, with the potential for the Gold Coast council to cover 50% of the stadium costs, contingent on state government funding for the other half.

The Blaze’s financial issues were not unique; they followed the struggles of the Gold Coast Rollers (formerly the Cougars), who played from 1990 to 1996 before folding. This would be the third attempt to establish an NBL team on the Gold Coast. However, local leaders argue that the timing is right, given the city’s significant population growth and one of the highest junior basketball participation rates in Australia.

“There’s a real appetite for professional basketball here, and the city’s growth supports that,” Mayor Tate stated, citing the city’s expansion and increased sports engagement as reasons why this bid stands a stronger chance of long-term success.

The new stadium would be constructed with a circular bowl design, positioned prominently along the Gold Coast Highway. Mayor Tate has targeted the 2026-27 financial year to break ground, aiming to have the team temporarily play at the Carrara Indoor Sports Centre or Gold Coast Convention Centre until the Southport arena is completed.

The prospect of an NBL team on the Gold Coast is drawing support beyond city officials. LNP MP for Southport, Rob Molhoek, and Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce President Laura Younger are among local figures backing the proposed stadium. This community support strengthens the bid’s credibility and aligns with the NBL’s goal of expanding into growing metropolitan areas.

The Gold Coast Rollers, currently competing in the semi-professional NBL1 North league, could serve as a feeder team for the future franchise. The Rollers organization is actively involved in discussions, with their head of marketing and promotions, Billy Cross, working on a formal pitch to the NBL by 2024.

“We’re in the best position now, with the city’s growth and the Olympics on the horizon, to really get an NBL team over the line,” Cross said, reinforcing the Rollers’ role in the city’s basketball ambitions.

Despite strong competition from cities like Darwin and Canberra for an NBL expansion license, the Gold Coast’s bid is compelling. With a council-backed funding proposal, substantial community support, and endorsement from the NBL, the city is on a promising path. If successful, the Gold Coast would welcome back an NBL team by 2027, marking a new era for professional basketball in a region that has shown a growing enthusiasm for the sport.

This potential franchise would also capitalize on the anticipated Olympic momentum, with basketball among the key sports expected to gain popularity as Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympics. With the Gold Coast’s population growth, rising sports participation, and a strong infrastructure plan, local leaders believe that the city is ready for its own NBL team, offering an exciting opportunity for both the league and the region.