In a major coup for Tasmania, Launceston’s Silverdome will host up to six NBL games this season with the SKY Sport New Zealand Breakers to make Tasmania their home base for up to six weeks commencing around Easter, subject to final scheduling.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said: “Tasmania continues to punch above our weight on the national sporting stage and these games will put our State in the national spotlight ahead of the Tasmanian JackJumpers’ entry to the NBL later this year.

“It’s great news for the Tasmanian public, with economic and social benefits to flow from hosting the games and increased exposure for our State, with games to be broadcast throughout Australia on SBS and ESPN and in New Zealand on SKY Sport.

“Importantly, Tourism Tasmania campaigns will be promoted and Tasmania will gain valuable exposure across Australia but also globally with the NBL now considered one of the best basketball leagues in the world.

“The benefits will also flow through to Basketball Tasmania and basketball participation at all levels, and both the New Zealand Breakers and the NBL will engage with the basketball community across the State to provide training clinics and development opportunities.

“Australia is waking up to Tasmania’s potential as a player on the national sporting scene and this is another important marker in our plan to secure elite sports that deliver numerous economic and social benefits, as well as positioning Tasmania as a destination of choice for visitors.”

The Tasmanian Government will invest $750,000 on this initiative which will cover operational and game day costs as well as an investment into new permanent infrastructure at the Launceston Silverdome to be used for these games and future NBL games featuring the JackJumpers in coming seasons. The Launceston Tornadoes will also be included in the event programming where possible.

NBL Owner and Executive Chairman Larry Kestelman said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the NBL in Tasmania ahead of the entry of the JackJumpers next season. We have always said we want basketball to be the number one sport in Tasmania and we thank the Premier and the Tasmanian Government for bringing NBL games to Tasmania this season.

“I also want to thank the Breakers for their support in what has been a challenging season for all of their players and staff. The JackJumpers will assist the NBL in running these games and they are a great opportunity for Tasmanians to come and enjoy world class sport.”