Colangelo Takes Over NBL Hawks; Alters Team Name

The NBL announced a new ownership group for the Illawarra Hawks that will be led by former NBA exec Bryan Colangelo, and that as part of the deal, the team's home city "has been dumped" from its official name. The team will "simply be known as the 'Hawks,' in a bid to expand their footprint across Canberra, regional NSW and potentially other venues." NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger defended the move, claiming the Hawks will "still be based in Wollongong." Meanwhile, Colangelo will lead an ownership group that includes Australian entrepreneur Dorry Kordahi and U.S. businessman Michael Proctor. That group beat out a bid from local businessman Tory Lavalle and LaMelo Ball, who played for the team last season (ILLAWARRA MERCURY, 6/17).

Lavalle is "open-minded to staying on as major sponsor" of the club. Lavalle's Multi Civil & Rail company has been involved with the Hawks since '15. Another sponsor, burger bar His Boy Elroy, said they would "end their involvement with the club" (ILLAWARRA MERCURY, 6/17).