@MIH, I fail to see the connection between an NBL proposal in the Geelong area and the proposal for a new convention centre, unless you are speculating that the region is so much on the move that now is the time to strike and basketball needs to get in ahead of the pack?

Even then, I believe you are years ahead of where such a possibility could be considered, yes the CEO and board is doing a good job in regards to many concepts and the strategic direction of the Supercats has potential, but there are still many obstacles to go beyond SEABL for at least 5-10 years IMO.

I will agree that Victoria needs a second NBL team, however that may come at a time before Geelong is ready to be the best option, I can see the second NBL team in Victoria coming from elsewhere first, unfortunately...

Why do Politicians always think a "exhibition centre" is such a wonderful thing and some magical panacea to their problems? If I ever became Premier, first thing I would do is bulldoze that appalling white elephant on Perth's foreshore. I once had a RUSSIAN Engineer, tell me how ugly it was and how it spoilt our city.

But back to the OP, Victoria does need another team. But realistically I think it needs to be closer to Melbourne, and take advantage of the facilities already there.
That said, I think following the European model where Football and Basketball Clubs stem from the same entities could work. Besides, If Geelong needs cash all they need to do is get Mr Fruity Fingers interested.

Definitely love to have them back but that current stadium is awful and I'm not sure the convention center answers the issues...

I always imagined that the Supercats would return due to the GFC building a multipurpose training facility and thinking 'we have a bit of money to splash so why don't we invest it in the NBL... $4m is nothing in AFL and if you can sell your sponsors on 12 months of advertising a year instead of 6-7 then that $4m could be made in sponsorship alone... I'm a little surprised that the Brisbane Broncos and Collingwood haven't tried this themselves.

I don't like Ford but they have sponsored the GFC since 1923 and I wouldn't complain about having their sponsorship on an NBL jersey.

I feel Bendigo is too out in the scrub

Bendigo is an interesting one..current pop is 113,000, forecast to be 156,000 by 2036. Maybe too small?

As a comparison, the Cairns region is currently 154,000, Townsville is 178,000.

And Geelong - currently 235,000, and forecast to be 320,000 by 2036.

Has to be some logic to it I would have thought, although a new stadium is probably a must.

Geelong may be more suited to the CLB if it gets off the ground. Far cheaper entry point, shorter season and well suited to a smaller stadium.

'Bendigo too far out in the scrub'

This must be from someone who has never been to Bendigo, surely?

Their position geographically, has not hurt their WNBL team. Also, how then do we accept those current NBL franchises that are in places up north, even the Hawks could be labelled inconveniently located to some. This is not a valid reason for not giving Bendigo an NBL license, not even close...