Basketball ACT wants to construct outdoor courts for three-on-three basketball and tap into a growing market for more affordable social sport.
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The proposed development at the Belconnen Basketball Stadium is part of the organisation's long-term plan for the stadium.
Basketball ACT has commissioned an engineering firm to conduct a feasibility study before it will apply for building approval from the ACT government.
The $7million construction for three new indoor courts was put on hold after Basketball ACT posted a loss of nearly $218,000 for the 2014-15 financial year.
Basketball ACT president David Leaney said building outdoor courts would be the first step to fulfilling the organisation's long-term goals.
"That will help us with a bit of cash flow because it would bring in some additional people and new revenue sources.
"That might accelerate when we could afford the major stadium redevelopment."
Under the proposal, two full-sized outdoor courts would be built on the northern side of the existing stadium. The courts would be used for half-court three-on-three competitions, basketball training and would be available for hire for sports such as futsal and netball.
"The change in a lot of sports is they're finding that the faster, less formal, more recreational version of their product is the one that is taking off," Leaney said.
"One-day cricket has Twenty20, rugby union has sevens, Australian football has AFL nines and soccer has futsal.
"This is being recognised as sport with growing potential and FIBA Oceania has even appointed a 3X3 co-ordinator."
Leaney said the cost of playing in a social competition could deter some new players. Teams in a mid-week senior competition paid $2268 to play in Basketball ACT's winter season, which spans 20 rounds.
"It attracts a different demographic and we know not everyone can commit to a (20-week) season turning up every Monday night," Leaney said.
"If it's a more casual thing where the competition runs that weekend, you pay your money and play and there's no commitment ... that could suit some people.
"With infrastructure like this, you've got to think, what is the sporting public going to be looking for in 10 years' time?
"We see it as a flexible option and we see it as a great opportunity, but we need to take a strong business case to the government."
