The National Basketball League (NBL) and LaMelo Ball’s camp avoided a potentially awkward and damaging situation over the weekend. After a surprise involvement in the purchase of the Illawarra Hawks, Ball’s manager Jermaine Jackson jumped the gun by declaring everything a done deal.
The NBL immediately pushed back, noting a miscommunication as the source of the confusion before committing to continue negotiations with Ball. On Monday, NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger joined SEN’s morning radio show to talk about the situation, his reaction and where the two parties stand now.
“It did catch us by surprise. A few people got a bit ahead of themselves there.
“But it’s worth pointing out that we have had good discussions with LaMelo and his management as well as Tory Lavalle who is a local businessman in Wollongong and has been a proponent of of putting that consortium together.
“They are one of a number of parties that we are talking to.”
Loeliger would go on to discuss the status of the talks not only with Ball but with other parties as well.
“We’re committed to ensuring Illawarra remains in the NBL and remains there for a long and fruitful future. We don’t want to see any club go under as a result of the coronavirus. There are a number of parties interested including LaMelo Ball and his management and we’re continuing to have discussions with them.”
“Since LaMelo Ball’s team made those comments, we’d had another two or three expressions of interest from very significant offshore investors as well as another two or three locals who have put their hand up to show interest. These are really well-credentialed individuals and organisations so it’s a very promising sign.”
Where Ball and his consortium stand in the talks remain to be seen. Having a local connection in the form of Tory Lavalle will only help their bid for the team. And given what Ball was able to do as a member of the Hawks and the attention he brought to the league, his ownership brings an element that none of the other bidders will have.
But it appears the NBL is set on taking its time and vetting the buyers in this process, meaning Jackson’s declaration will be long in the past by the time this deal is done.
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