Next Steps for NBL1 Licence in Northern Tasmania
Where we Stand Now
Over the past several months, the Launceston Tornadoes have maintained a clear, consistent, and community-first approach to the future of NBL1 basketball in Northern Tasmania. We have led with transparency, integrity, and a firm belief in the power of a truly regional model that represents and serves the whole of Northern Tasmania.
Here is where things currently stand:
July 25 – Basketball Tasmania announced it would not endorse either of the standalone NBL1 licence applications at this stage.
August 1 – Following a meeting with the North West Thunder and the Launceston Tornadoes, Basketball Tasmania mandated a four-week process to develop a joint, representative submission. Importantly, BTAS also clarified that the original applications of the clubs met all outlined requirements, and they recognised the significant effort and expertise invested into them.
August 6 – The North West Thunder confirmed they would not participate in the joint, representative submission process. Instead, they withdrew their original application and submitted a new standalone application, which was out of time and did not meet the outlined requirements.
Our Position Hasn’t Changed
The North West Thunder’s decision does not alter our course. We remain fully committed to the process and we have not waivered from our position since the outset. Our commitment to a collaborative, future-focused model remains unchanged.
We are moving forward, decisively, with a submission that reflects the strategic direction of Basketball Tasmania and meets the expectations of Basketball Victoria and the Tasmanian Government. This submission is built on strong governance, financial sustainability, and deep community connection.
This submission is more than viable, it is essential. A shared NBL1 licence across Launceston and the North West is the most effective and sustainable path forward. It enables broader access, greater investment, and real equity for athletes, volunteers, and fans across the region.
Endorsement Pathway
The Tasmanian Government has confirmed bipartisan support for a united model. BTAS has made it clear: only a regionally representative submission with an equal distribution of home games across the North and North West will be endorsed. They have reinforced this position in a media release issued on 8 August 2025, which we have included in full below.
We are progressing with urgency and purpose. Over the coming fortnight, we will continue to engage with Basketball Tasmania to give them the utmost confidence to endorse the submission, whilst also working closely with key stakeholders, government representatives, and community leaders, so as to instil complete confidence in our finalised submission. Through open and constructive dialogue, we aim to address any concerns, build broad support, and position the endorsed application for the greatest possible success.
Open Engagement with Stakeholders
There has been considerable speculation recently about the content of our application, submitted on behalf of the soon to be formed Northern Tasmania Basketball Club. In reality, only those directly involved in preparing our application, along with Basketball Tasmania and Basketball Victoria, have had access to it.
To address this, we will arrange a meeting with the North West and North Regional Councils to present our application in a controlled forum. This will allow us to be transparent with key stakeholders, whilst respecting the process set by Basketball Tasmania and safeguarding any commercially sensitive information. Basketball Tasmania supports this approach.
Building for Long-Term Success
At the same time, we are laying the groundwork for long-term success: establishing a new governance structure, engaging foundation partners, and building the operational systems needed to support a high-performing, regionally integrated club. Recruitment and planning for the 2026 season are already underway because players, coaches, and supporters deserve certainty.
We are here. We are prepared. We are progressing. Northern Tasmania’s basketball community deserves a future that is bold, united, and built to last, and that is exactly what we committed to delivering.
Want to be involved? If you would like to be part of finalising the NBL1 Northern Licence submission or if you're interested in joining the Northern Tasmania Basketball Club as a board member, corporate partner, or volunteer, we want to hear from you.
Contact us at: secretary@tornadoes.com.au
