Isaac
Years ago
BA-NBL merge, Derwin CEO, next review postponed
Another media release from BA about the on-going review involving the NBL and I'm trying to work out what part of the news is actually new.
Anyway, they're merging and Scott Derwin will be the interim CEO of the new entity.
A review meeting involving key stakeholders (NBL owners?) has been postponed from July 19 until October 11. The second stage and final report is still expected to be completed by June 30.
Here's the full release for those following along at home:
Basketball Australia due to finalise review
Basketball Australia (BA) and the National Basketball League (NBL) have made the decision to merge in an effort to reform the sport in Australia. The structure and re-organisation is currently in the final stages of review, and will provide a positive move in strengthening the position of basketball as a key sport within Australia.
The decision to merge stems from a two-stage report, commissioned by the NBL, Basketball Australia and the Australian Sports Commission - the first stage of which was completed by Ernst & Young in November, with the major recommendation being a move to a single unified national body.
The second stage of the review, which is being undertaken by Dynamic Sports and Entertainment Group (DSEG), will see the completion of the final report on 30 June.
The interim Board appointed to oversee the review process has already made significant progress, and has been bolstered with the recent appointments of David Thodey, Group Managing Director for Telstra Enterprise and Government as Chairman of the Board, and Diane Sias, Group Executive, Westpac Business & Technology Solutions & Services.
They join Mark Peters (CEO of the Australian Sports Commission), John Maddock and Seamus McPeake.
To ensure a consistent, centralised and consultative process is maintained with all Basketball Australia and NBL stakeholders during this review period, Basketball Australia Chief Executive Scott Derwin has been appointed to the role of Interim CEO for the new organisation.
Both Basketball Australia and the NBL owners have welcomed the decision of a single governance and management structure.
For Basketball Australia stakeholders, it will mean strengthening its focus on building basketball in Australia across all levels of the sport, while putting in place a formalised franchise agreement between the new organisation and each of the NBL Clubs will provide greater uniformity and a blueprint for a much improved positioning of the NBL.
"The Board has received an interim report, and while satisfied with the content, has recognised there is a lot more to be done, with the report raising a number of critical issues that will require sufficient time to consider properly," said Chairman, David Thodey.
"As a result, the Board has decided to postpone the review meeting, initially planned for 19 July with key stakeholders, until 11 October 2008.
"It is vital for the future of our sport that we get it right. This will involve ensuring the necessary time to undertake a thorough review of the final report, and make sure that no stone is left unturned," stated Mr Thodey.
"It will also ensure that all key stakeholders are given adequate time to review the recommendations resulting from the report, and provide valuable feedback.
"The revised timing will also ensure a positive focus is placed on supporting the efforts of the Boomers, Opals, Rollers and Gliders as they prepare for their Olympic and Paralympic campaigns in August and September."
Mr Derwin said the move to a unified body would help capitalise on basketball's strengths.
"Basketball has a bright future in Australia, but there is no doubt that there is a substantial amount of work to do to ensure we set the right foundations for the next decade," said CEO Mr Derwin.
"Australia is currently ranked 2nd of 213 playing nations on the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rankings, while in Australia basketball is booming at a community level with more than 600,000 people participating in the sport and numbers continuing to grow.
"The challenge is to ensure greater unity and cooperation from a grassroots level right through to the elite level of the sport," stated Mr Derwin. "This is no short-term plan. The aim is to deliver a revised governance and management structure and a sustainable business model and plan to ensure the sport's successful future."
Anyone else think "a number of critical issues that will require sufficient time to consider properly" means cutting NBL teams? Hopefully it means two-tiers instead: more opportunities for players and coaches.
