Phoenix got 10k to their game United only got 6.5k the next day United would have to be concerned about that.

I think you will find that Phoenix got over 10k mainly due to Ball being in town

Could SEM overtake United? Yes.

But not in Year 1, United have the names and success behind them.

Hopefully both teams can form a synergy where collectively they will have a fan base of say, 8,000 attending fans each.

It's a question I’ve thought about. I still think the rebrand has hurt them.

There are a chunk of tigers fans who can’t fathom to back them again. A number have joined SEM. Then there are people who have always supporter SEM Magic, Titans, dragons etc who could never jump across because they saw them as the tigers in disguise.

Then there are plenty who watched but weren’t passionate, if you’re on the SEM pages you’ll see they’ve come across. Not sure they have as large as a rusted on support base as people think. Couple that with they gave away a lot of tickets in the early years - I think they’re shaky.

United will come good this year, but if they have a few down years and SEM are flying - I can see them overtaking United. Especially if they don’t permanently relocate to the SBC

Also worth noting that the first home game for the Phoenix the crowd was closer to 4K, not the over 6k they said.

Official crowd figures are usually attendance + paid ticket holders that didn't attend.

I doubt the Phoenix even have 2k members little alone 2k of them not attending their first home game....

I doubt the Phoenix even have 2k members little alone 2k of them not attending their first home game....

Thats absolutely awesome that Phoenix got 10k- surprising but awesome!

As one example, many of you old forum people might remember Tigesgal from back in the day, led the Tigers cheer squad from around 2001 - 2005 ish

Detests Kestleman. Probably hasnt been to an NBL game in years.

Is all over Facebook lately, she's right into the Phoenix.

Maybe there are a few more like her.

Not at all worried about United getting 6500 though- the 4:40pm AFL games always get terrible crowds, I have no idea why they were stupid enough to try a 5pm Sunday game. Hopefully that's a once off experiment.

Just got to get her to convince Cram now he's already worn out his LK voodoo doll.

Sadly, Tigers brand has been run down and may not be able to be brought back to life.

"Just got to get her to convince Cram now he's already worn out his LK voodoo doll"

Zero chance.

"Official crowd figures are usually attendance + paid ticket holders that didn't attend"

More like attendance + paid or unpaid ticket holders that didn't attend

United have nothing to worry about.

They played 5pm Sunday - a horrid time for Melbourne teams across all codes. Melbourne City played across the road and only got 7,500 in a 30,000 seat stadium, kicking off an hour earlier.

Phoenix played in the prime timeslot, with free entry for kids and played against the future NBA #1 pick - they were always going to get a cracking crowd to this one.

Like the post says above, let's see what crowd they pull when they play Brisbane and Cairns.

SEM will average about 7,000 - 8,000 and Utd will average about 9,000

"Just got to get her to convince Cram now he's already worn out his LK voodoo doll"

Zero chance.

Haha...well...

Nah yeah won't be following any new team in the league the way it currently stands.

I was a long-time tigers fan and was devastated over the decision but I'm now a proud united supporter

Bring back the giants

" was a long-time tigers fan and was devastated over the decision but I'm now a proud united supporter



How can you not be when Gaze's, Gordon's, Giddey's, Copeland's singlets are hanging next to the United Championship banner?"

Because those jersies hanging is pure farce.

Tigers member since 1992 - also devastated when they suddenly changed to United - thought about not joining United - as Andrew Gaze was the reason I started following basketball - but then I thought what he would really want is for people to support the Australian basketball league - so I have supported United since they started.

I have heard of some people saying they might swap to Phoenix - but I think they are most likely fans who have only been with United for a short time.

No way I would support Phoenix - they are SEM Magic/Titans/Dragons to me - but great for the competition.

Fair call Kas. Not for me.

I can't reward someone for coming in and throwing away a team's identity on a whim just to support a for profit league.

I continue to support Australian basketball at the WNBL, international and state league level, but while the same people are involved with the NBL I won't be supporting that league.