Australia's National Basketball League sold its next expansion franchise to League Championship side Swansea City co-Owner Romie Chaudhari in "what is understood to be a multimillion-dollar deal" with the team to take the court for the '19-20 season, according to Roy Ward of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. With Melbourne United winning the NBL championship this past season and "drawing sellout crowds to Hisense Arena," NBL Owner Larry Kestelman "wants a second -- and possibly third -- team in Victoria." But the league and Chaudhari "have not locked in a location for the new franchise despite the clear attraction of Melbourne" because the NBL "is concerned it may not be able to secure weekly access to Hisense" and also find a "world class" training facility for the team. If both Melbourne United and Chaudhari’s team both needed the venue, which is "clearly" a favorite with Victorian basketball fans, then the NBL "would need weekly access for home games." It is understood the league "will talk with the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust and the State Government as Hisense Arena is regularly in hot demand" for concerts and other sporting events. It "is also booked" during the Australian Open (SMH, 7/13). In Melbourne, Gilbert Gardiner reported Chaudhari "also holds shares" in L.A. esports team the Immortals and is part of the New Zealand Breakers ownership consortium "spearheaded" by former NBA players Matt Walsh and Shawn Marion. Tasmania, Gold Coast and Perth "will also be considered as possible locations" for the new NBL club, with venue availability "central to the final decision." But "vibrant Melbourne is the preferred option." Chaudhari said, "Wherever we end up locating this team, I want it to unify and represent the community and help build a world class team fans can be proud of" (HERALD SUN, 7/12).
