The Canberra Gunners are confident a move to the NSW Waratah League will strengthen ties with the Illawarra Hawks and ensure the capital's basketball pathway remains strong.
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The Gunners have moved to secure their future after the South East Australian Basketball League was dissolved this week, prompting Victorian officials to form a new 18-team competition.
Basketball ACT opted not to pursue a place in the Victorian league because of the costs associated and the complications of proposed mid-week games.
The Waratah League has been considered a level down from the SEABL in the past, but it's understood Basketball NSW are working on ways to improve the standard in the coming years.
The Gunners and the Capitals Academy will play in the men's and women's competitions and Basketball ACT president Allan Yates said existing links with the Hawks would be enhanced.
The growing relationship with the Hawks gives Canberra players a pathway to the NBL, while the Canberra Capitals give junior females a chance to aspire to the WNBL.
"We've been advised there will be some activity around upgrading the Waratah League, and we're looking forward to playing in it," Yates said.
"We're disappointed the SEABL has closed, we've been playing in that competition for 30 years. We think our relationship that's building with the Hawks, and the Capitals in town, they provide the opportunity for Canberra players to progress.
"That will now be done through the Waratah League. We have advised coaches, players, ACT Clubs and the ACT government of this decision and will be looking to develop our teams for the Waratah League."
The Hawks are keen to have a footprint in the Canberra market and the franchise shifted a pre-season game to a sold-out Tuggeranong Stadium in September.
It's understood the Hawks and the government have been locked in ongoing dialogue about a deal to move some regular season games from Wollongong to the capital from next year.
Basketball Australia is also working on plans for a potential national club championships, which would feature teams from all states and territories.
Basketball Victoria will have their own new super league to replace the SEABL, and the Canberra-based Centre of Excellence will also be invited to play in the competition if they move home games to Victoria.
The NBA Global Academy, which is also based at the AIS, is also considering entering domestic competitions and could be added to the Waratah League to create a double-header opportunity when teams travel to play the Gunners.
"We are in discussions with a number of current national league players who have expressed interest in playing with Canberra, in the Waratah Championship," Yates said. "Our strong connections with both Caps and Illawarra Hawks is an important element in these discussions."
The Gunners have been playing in the SEABL since 1988, but lost every match last season. Basketball ACT is searching for new coaches and players for their new beginning.
