Eight clubs revealed as backers for new licence bid. This is their pitch

A new backer of the North West Thunder's bid for an NBL1 South licence has pushed for Basketball Tasmania (BTas) to get on board and support the model.  The eight North West Basketball Union (NWBU) associations have expressed their "unanimous and unequivocal support" for the Thunder's application to secure the second Tasmanian licence.
The support, which the clubs say is not "symbolic", represents the "full weight of a region with a long history of producing elite athletes... and sustaining large-scale basketball operations year-round".
In a letter of endorsement submitted to BTas on July 15, the clubs urged the governing body to support the model that is "community-backed, financially sound, and developmentally proven". 
"We are grateful for the strength and support of the clubs and understand that their directive to be a part of this process is to ensure that basketball in Northern Tasmania is sustainable and successful," Thunder chairman James Leslie said in a statement.  We have been able to put together an extremely detailed plan that encompasses the guiding criteria and key core elements requested by the league and Basketball Tasmania."
The Thunder's position comes after Basketball Victoria announced in April that the men's and women's teams in the North and North-West must operate under the same licence.  The Thunder (men) and Launceston Tornadoes (women) are the only clubs in the NBL1 that have standalone teams.  The Hobart Chargers also have a licence, with both their men's and women's teams operating under the same banner.  The Tornadoes confirmed in June that they would submit a bid to field their own men's and women's teams after discussions heated up, and ultimately broke down between both parties.
Basketball Tasmania will be required to endorse Basketball Victoria's recommendation for licences after the deadline for submissions close on Friday, July 18.

The NWBU presidents said that the NBL1 club representing Northern Tasmania must have a "clear and consistent home base", while suggesting Ulverstone as a "central and established" location.
They added that the new Devonport stadium would further enhance the Thunder's infrastructure advantage.  Leslie said the home games would be "split down the middle" as part of Basketball Tasmania's requirement, if successful in their bid.  The presidents also suggested "a fresh, inclusive identity" such as 'Northern Tasmania Thunder' and 'Northern Tasmania Tornadoes' would best serve the region's representation in the league.
We have been able to put together an extremely detailed plan that encompasses the guiding criteria and key core elements requested by the league and Basketball Tasmania.
|- North West Thunder chairman James Leslie
Basketball Victoria is scheduled to make its announcement on August 6.
THUNTER EAGER TO END SEASON ON A HIGH
Meanwhile, the Thunder are preparing to close out their 2025 season against Dandenong on Saturday, July 19, at Ulverstone.  While it could be Thunder's last home game ever, captain Tre Armstrong said his side "hasn't focused too much on that side of it".
"As a playing group and coaching staff, all of that noise has been out of our control," Armstrong said.  "We're represented by an excellent board, we have great leadership, and ultimately, they care about basketball for male and female and local talent over anything else; that's the priority.
"All we can do is compete well and represent our brand the best we can, knowing that the people making the decisions have their hearts in the right place."
It's been a tough season on the court for the Thunder, who are second-last on the ladder with five wins and 15 losses.

Despite the win-loss record, Armstrong said the group has been "connected the whole time".  We love playing together, we love representing the Thunder, we love playing in front of our fans, and we feel lucky that we've had the opportunity to do that," he said.  "We know as a playing group - and as an organisation - we deserve to finish the year, and I think our week of prep will lead us to do that. We're looking forward to it."

Tip off is at 8pm, which will follow the Torndoes at 6pm.