Basketball Australia (BA) Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock has revealed he is confident that the outcome of the Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the new National Basketball League will be finalised by next week, following two days of productive talks with the NBL owners.

Representatives of the BA Board met with the NBL owners group in Melbourne on Monday and Tuesday this week to address the few outstanding issues flagged during the EOI process by the respondents.

Sengstock said however that there had been some significant progress made during the discussions and that an announcement on the outcome of the NBL EOI would be made next week.

“The EOI process has been a very complex and sensitive one and has required full consultation with the NBL owners,” said Sengstock.  “It has required some lengthy and detailed discussions to reach accord with all of the EOI respondents, and we have been very pleased with the progress made this week towards an ultimate outcome. 

“Barring any unforeseen setbacks, we are anticipating making an announcement about the outcome of the EOI process next week.  ”

South Dragons co-owner Mark Cowan attended the meeting in Melbourne and said he and his fellow NBL owners were feeling positive in the wake of the discussions.

“The dialogue we had with the BA Board was very fruitful and I believe we are edging ever closer to having ironed out the finer details in the blueprint for the new league,” said Cowan.  “We’re feeling optimistic about the outcome of the EOI and look forward to working with the BA Board towards an announcement next week.”