A Tasmanian franchise is set to join the NBL in 2021, the league has announced.
As the competition continues to expand, the yet-to-be-named Tasmanian franchise will become the league's 10th team following South East Melbourne Phoenix joining for the 2019-20 season.
The Apple Isle side will play home games out of Hobart's recently redeveloped Derwent Entertainment Centre but will also play some matches in the north of the state.
The Tasmanian Government will become the sponsor of the new team and will lead the project to redevelop the Entertainment Centre.
"This will be Tasmania's team and a team for all Tasmanians. We want basketball to be the number one sport in Tasmania and with an NBL team we think we can achieve this" NBL Owner Larry Kestelman said.
Three different Tasmania-based franchises have graced the league in years gone by: the Devonport Warriors (1983-1984), the Hobart Devils (1983-1996), and the Launceston Casino City Tigers (1980-1982).
Chris Goulding, Adam Gibson and Lucas Walker are among big Australian basketball names from Tasmania who may consider a return to represent the new team.
Gold Coast Suns recruit Hugh Greenwood played college basketball for the University of New Mexico before switching to AFL, and has previously flagged interest in the idea of returning to basketball if a Tasmanian franchise was established.