Canberra's fate to be revealed in NZNBL expansion call

A bid team was pushing to have Canberra included in the NZNBL as the competition looks to expand further into Australia.

The league is set to make a statement on its expansion plans in the coming days with Canberra one of two Australian bids considered.

NZNBL general manager Justin Nelson says the optimum model for the competition boasts "at least two Australian teams" with Tasmania's Southern Huskies already in the league.

Canberra was one of six potential expansion franchises chosen to submit formal bids to the NZNBL board by May 31, with league officials now sifting through the paperwork.

The six parties include Canberra, another Australian location, three from New Zealand's north island, and one from the south island.

Nelson, the former Melbourne Boomers general manager, is looking to make a formal announcement on any new franchises at the league's Final Four weekend on July 20-21 in Christchurch.

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"I moved over here at the start of February to take on this role, and I walked in the door with a five-year growth strategy under my arm, which was a 16-page document," Nelson said.

"The NBL board here rubber stamped that, and within that five-year growth strategy, it talks about what does an optimum league look like?

"That's 10 to 12 teams, and within that 10-12 teams, we believe under the optimum model, there would be a good view to having at least two Australian teams."

Basketball ACT is steering clear of the bid with their sights set on strengthening a partnership with the Illawarra Hawks - the Australian competition's last foundation club standing.

The Hawks hosted the Cairns Taipans at the AIS Arena in January in what BACT officials hope is the first step in a long-term deal.

Incoming BACT chief executive Matt Dunstan is determined to strengthen ties with the Hawks and reigning WNBL champions, the Canberra Capitals, when he steps into the role in the coming weeks.

Illawarra are keen to expand their footprint to Canberra and southern NSW under general manager Mat Campbell, with the franchise looking to welcome a new fan base and shake off the financial troubles of recent years.

The NBL has had no major discussions about establishing a franchise in Canberra but league chief Jeremy Loeliger is keen to tap into the market.

Loeliger has said there is scope for the Hawks and star-studded Sydney Kings to both play games in Canberra, but government support is crucial to making the move viable.