Statement on NBL Grand Final Series

NBL Owner and Executive Chairman Larry Kestelman has made the following statement:

“After consultation with local, state and federal authorities as well as our clubs, we have made a decision that the remainder of the Hungry Jack’s NBL Grand Final Series presented by MG between the Sydney Kings and Perth Wildcats will be closed to the general public.

“The health and well-being of our players, staff, officials and fans is paramount. As a family sport we felt this was the only decision to make.

“We commend the Kings, Wildcats and their ownership groups for supporting this move despite being a difficult commercial decision for all concerned. But they were just as resolute as us in regard to prioritising the welfare of players, staff and everyone else concerned ahead of commercial considerations.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and follow all protocols as outlined by the relevant authorities. In the event of a player, staff member or official testing positive to Coronavirus we will immediately suspend the series.

“I’m proud of our sport and the stance we have taken during this difficult time. We thank our teams, players, staff, officials and fans for their understanding and patience during what is a very challenging time for everybody and we wish both teams the best of the luck for the remainder of the series.”

Perth currently leads the series 1-0. The schedule for the remainder of the best of five game series is as follows:

Game two – Friday March 13, 9.30pm AEDT

Game three – Sunday March 15, 5pm AEDT

Game four – (if required) – Friday March 20, 9.30pm AEDT

Game five – (if required) – Sunday March 22, 5pm AEDT