Nuggets back, subject to finance

The Otago Nuggets are back ... well almost.

After five years in the wilderness, the franchise has been granted provisional entry to the National Basketball League (NBL) in 2020.

It has until August 7 to sort the final details - notably, securing the initial funds to carry out its plan to get the team on court.

However. if that deadline is not met, the return will be delayed until 2021.

Franchise group spokeswoman Angela Ruske was thrilled with the news.

Otago Nuggets franchise spokeswoman Angela Ruske celebrates at the Edgar Centre yesterday after...
Otago Nuggets franchise spokeswoman Angela Ruske celebrates at the Edgar Centre yesterday after receiving news the side had been given provisional entry to next year's national basketball league. Photo: Stephen Jaquiery

The group had pushed to set up a lot over the past few weeks, she said.

It was exciting to get permission from the NBL.

Everything was ready to go - pending "a couple more documents".

The proposed $400,000 budget does not need to be sourced by deadline, nor does the $165,000 of sponsorship.

However, donations to help employ someone to find that sponsorship money do.

The franchise had been seeking 35-50 $1000 pledges from the community as a start-up fund.

It had already secured about $15,000 without actively pursuing them.

That operation would be increased over the next month.

The goal by August 7 was to gather enough funds - she did not provide a figure - to employ someone without financial risk.

It was a rewarding result and Ruske said it would be a great product to get back in front of Dunedin fans.

"Basketball's exciting; it's great entertainment for people to come and watch.

"We have skilled athletes in and around the country, including in Dunedin.

"We're going places with it."

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