The Illawarra Hawks are hoping their determination to form a genuine partnership with Canberra will help them secure a second fixture in the capital for the NBL season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The ACT government is considering a funding proposal to lure the Hawks to Canberra in January after paying $125,000 to end the city's 10-year NBL drought last year.
The Hawks have already confirmed they will move one game to the capital, locking in a clash against the Brisbane Bullets for November 3 likely to be at the AIS Arena.
It's understood the Hawks have been proactive in seeking a partnership, but there was no government funding for the contest against the Bullets.
The government is instead considering a financial package to have the Hawks play against the Perth Wildcats in Canberra on January 10.
A government spokesperson said: "The ACT government has received, and is currently considering, a proposal from the Illawarra Hawks to bring NBL games to Canberra. Decisions about funding have not been made at this stage."
The Hawks want to form a long-term partnership with the government and Basketball ACT to expand their supporter base and tap into Canberra's market.
They attracted more than 3000 people to the first NBL game in Canberra in 10 years in January and are considering shifting more games to the city to capitalise on the support.
Basketball ACT chairman Allan Yates hoped the Hawks' vision for Canberra would develop further this year.
"The Hawks have been very supportive and at this stage it's great to see them coming through and presenting their product to an ACT audience," Yates said.
MORE CANBERRA SPORT
"I think the Hawks are keen to come into Canberra regularly and play games here. There was a good crowd last year and we can see the games are going to be towards the end of the year.
"We need to make sure there are going to be crowds to watch these games and we're confident the Canberra fans who are in town will be there supporting."
The games have the added incentive of having LaMelo Ball playing in Canberra, with the rising star expected to draw worldwide attention after deciding to play in Australia before chasing an NBA dream.
The Hawks will start their season against the Bullets on October 6 and will play six of their first 11 games in Wollongong.
The ACT government, however, will be keen to avoid any scheduling clashes with the Canberra Capitals, who will start their bid for back to back WNBL titles in October.
Capitals coach Paul Goriss has been working to finalise his roster and was hopeful of securing a star point guard to bolster his squad.
Goriss has just a handful of contracts left to fill, but the return of Marianna Tolo, Kelsey Griffin and Kia Nurse will boost their chances of winning two championships in a row.
