Hearts and minds: WNBL's growth plan puts Newcastle in play

In just over a month, the WNBL's newest franchise, the Tasmania Jewels, will hit the hardwood for the first time.

Once they take on Geelong at MyState Bank Arena on October 15, the conversation around the next location for expansion will heat up.

Recently, WNBL Chief Operating Officer Justin Nelson explained that Brisbane was 'a place the League would love to have a team'.

Now, Nelson has opened the door on another potential expansion spot.

"I would strongly encourage the people behind the growth of basketball and the business of sport in Newcastle to come and have a chat with us," Nelson told CODE Sports.

"We would welcome the opportunity to have a chat with them. It [Newcastle] is a wonderful part of the country, and they are incredibly passionate sports fans. They would naturally build a strong rivalry with the 'Big Smoke' – so to speak – so I think the opportunity is there.

"We've seen a lot of great basketballers come from Newcastle over the years. Is there a future of a WNBL side in Newcastle – I would say yes because we need to continue to explore every opportunity for the league to be in the hearts and minds of as many people in Australia."

The momentum behind Newcastle's push comes after the NSW Government recently committed $14 million to fund a 12-month detailed design phase of a potential 12,000-seat arena.

If full construction funding of more than $485 million is secured, local officials believe construction could start from 2029 on an arena that could play home to both a WNBL and an NBL franchise.

Executive Director, NBL Group, Larry Kestelman echoed Nelson's sentiments, noting steps like this were "incredibly encouraging" for basketball fans of the Newcastle region.

As open as Nelson is to Newcastle, he explained the League was keen to explore overseas options too.

"I think Asia is a great opportunity for us and so is New Zealand and Brisbane," he said.

"There are lots of Kiwis who already play in the WNBL, so I can see the prospect and growth there."

‍Read the full story here >> ‘Call us’: WNBL keen to connect with Wests Group about potential Newcastle expansion