It was confirmed last night the Otago bid to return to the national basketball league will now focus on 2021.
The franchise had been granted provisional entry to next year's league just over a month ago.
That was contingent on several factors - notably, getting together funds and appointing someone to run the operation.
If those requirements were not fulfilled, entry would be delayed until 2021.
The decision leaves Otago without an NBL team for a sixth year.
It last appeared in 2014, after which it withdrew due to financial problems.
NBL general manager Justin Nelson said in a press release that sustainability was a key focus.
While the Nuggets had many foundations in place, both sides had felt another year would be beneficial.
''The Nuggets have a future in the NBL, and it will be a strong future, which is why we are all heavily focused on making sure the revenue and resources required to run the operation are spot on.
''In speaking with the Nuggets we all believe an additional year of planning and building will lead to greater success.
''The community throughout the Otago region is understandably eager to get going and see the Nuggets back on court.
''With the extra time they now have prior to season 2021, that energy is needed to keep building strong foundations.''
Nuggets spokeswoman Angela Ruske had hoped for a 2020 entry a month ago, although admitted it was a tight turnaround.
The franchise group would now look to get the side back on a court in two years' time.
''In the coming months we will continue to work together with the NBL to make sure our entry into the league is strong and founded on sound business practices,'' she said in a press release.
''We are excited with the support shown to date by the community and look forward to building the Nuggets back up.''
It leaves the league likely to progress with eight teams next year.
Alongside the Nuggets' delayed return, the Supercity Rangers were cut from the league following multiple competition breaches.
The NBL is looking to grow and its optimum model is between 10 and 12 teams.
Nelson said it should reach that in 2021, when the Franklin Bulls were also slated to join.
He also confirmed yesterday he supported the idea of a team from Waikato-Bay of Plenty.
The region had submitted an expression of interest and was invited to submit a formal bid, but chose not to.
