ICCrash
Years ago
NBL Restructure
Something I've been wondering about recently is how the NBL could restructure to get more out of the season, and increase the chances of growing. For this restructure, I've gone with 12 teams, because I believe this is needed for the sport to progress.
11 Rounds over 12 weeks, 44 games (4 games a week), 2 on a Tues-Thursday (either Tues/Wed or Wed/Thurs) and 2 on a Friday-Sunday. Each double is played against the same team, so we see teams cut down on travel for away games (but increase accommodation costs). This means you travel to Perth ONCE, not twice in a season. You get a Home and an Away fixture against each opponent, you keep the players playing more games, increase the games of the season, while running a shorter season. I considered more games, but then it's not the same teams everyone plays the same number of times.
Stadiums need to be within a certain size range(3000-10000, unless team can show it can sell a minimum of 60% of games to 60% or more of larger capacity), have a certain level of Lighting and TV viewability, to make it easier to get a TV deal. Being able to offer a product that is TV ready, is on up to 6 times a week, and can go up against Channel 10's Big Bash Coverage would interest Nine and Seven.
Salary Cap stays at a Millon a season, with 2 imports. However, teams get one exempt player who is on the Emu's (U19 national side) to encourage playing youth.