NBL season to start in mid-January

The NBL has confirmed it will start the 2020-21 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season in mid-January with the initial schedule to be announced by December 3.

NBL Owner and Executive Chairman Larry Kestelman said: “It’s our time and it’s great to be in a position to be able to return to playing basketball during what have been challenging times for everyone and when people need sport and entertainment in their lives.

“We were pleased to be able to stage our first preseason games last weekend and we now look forward to planning more preseason games across December and January. We were particularly pleased to be able to accommodate fans at these games in accordance with Government, venue and NBL COVID-safe regulations and protocols.

“This will now allow us to finalise our protocols in consultation with our medical advisors, the Australian Basketball Players’ Association (ABPA) and the Clubs leading-up to the start of the season that will no doubt be like no other.

“We understand there will be challenges as there has been for all sports and we will need to manage these appropriately. We are determined to do everything possible to play a full home and away season in front of as many fans as possible, they are the lifeblood of the league.

“The NBL’s Return to Competition Taskforce will continue to work through the planning for the season and we will provide more updates on the schedule soon.”