Overview
- The court permanently stayed the clubs’ proceedings, finding their licences require disputes to go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland, and ordered them to pay NBLCo’s legal costs.
- The decision addressed jurisdiction and process rather than the merits of the owners’ allegations about financial transparency and potential conflicts involving NBL leadership.
- Illawarra Hawks owner Jared Novelly and South East Melbourne Phoenix owner Romie Chaudhari indicated they will appeal, characterizing the outcome as a technical ruling that does not clear NBLCo of alleged wrongdoing.
- The NBL welcomed the ruling, saying the licence provision is intended to keep disputes confidential to avoid harm to the competition.
- Basketball Australia’s separate investigation remains unresolved, the season continues, and the clubs could face sanctions for breaching their licence terms according to reporting.