Gutted. There's no other way to describe the feeling at SIT Zero Fees Southland Sharks' HQ. As you may be aware the 2020 Sal's NBL season has been officially postponed. You can read the New Zealand National Basketball League's full release below.
We fully support this decision. Our number one priority has always been the safety and well being of our team, fans and community. In reality, this was the only decision that could be made.
We would like to thank the NBL for its leadership, our outstanding group of players and team management and our wonderful Sharks Family - fans, sponsors, funders and stakeholders, whose support over recent days has been greatly appreciated. We honestly can't thank you all enough.
We will be in touch with Season Ticket-holders and sponsors directly over the next week as we confirm further information. We thank you in advance for your support and patience.
Our attention has switched immediately to the future. Whatever the coming months hold, you can be assured that when we all come out the other side, your Sharks will be back and we will be hungry!
Stay safe out there
NBL ADVISORY: 2020 Sal's NBL Men Postpone Season
The Sal’s NBL Men’s 2020 season has been postponed.
The League is now considering the feasibility of a modified competition that could potentially start in either late May or June.
The decision has been made with the health and well-being of players, team officials, staff and the wider community as the League’s primary focus, along with the health and sustainability of all teams going forward.
The League is currently working on a modified competition with broadcast partners Sky Sport, all eight NBL men’s teams and key stakeholders.
It is the League’s view that a modified 2020 competition could only commence, at the earliest, in May or June. If circumstances change, including Government or Ministry of Health advice or regulations, the NBL Men’s Board will continue to assess its options.
“This decision takes into account the livelihoods of our people. We have a couple of hundred people, including our players, who derive an income through participating or working in the NBL, this is their occupation and we are very mindful of that,” said Sal’s NBL General Manager, Justin Nelson.
“We are dealing with an unprecedented moment in our lives and while it comes with a level of uncertainty, the NBL Men’s Board is working diligently to ensure the health and sustainability of the teams, the integrity of the competition and the well-being of players, coaches and employees is at the forefront of every decision.
“It is unrealistic in the current climate to commence the season, so in conjunction with Sky Sport, Sal’s and our valued partners, and all teams, we are drawing a line under our season as it stood but we will continue to consider the feasibility of modifying the competition and commencing later dependent on how things play out. We believe this provides us time and hopefully allows us to modify, adapt and move forward,” Nelson added.
The NBL Men’s Board has decided to cancel the NBL Pre-Season Slam scheduled for April 4/5.
A decision on the 3X3 National Cup scheduled for late May at ILT Stadium Southland will be made at a later date.
The Sal’s NBL Women’s Board will issue a statement at 12 noon today, Friday March 20.