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The NBL has confirmed it will start the 2020-21 NBL Season in mid-January with the initial schedule to be announced by December 3.
The start of the season has been delayed because of travel restrictions and the impact of COVID-19 around the country, with the league hopeful of crowds returning once the season commences.
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 announcement comes on the same day South Australia announced a hard six day lockdown after a covid outbreak last weekend, with the NBL hopeful it won't affect their plans for the start of the season.
IMAGE: NBL website.