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(Sports)Aussie basketball boss wooing NBA for new Australian series

Xinhua, July 30, 2015 Adjust font size:

The head of Australia's National Basketball League (NBL) has held talks with National Basketball Association (NBA) officials about bringing the world's best basketballers to Melbourne for an Australian series.

Larry Kestelman, the league's executive director and co-owner of NBL club Melbourne United, said he had a vision for short series to be played in the Victoria state capital in the NBA offseason, most likely as early as 2017.

"We've opened a constructive dialogue with the NBA ... there is no reason at all they can't come here," Kestelman told News Limited on Thursday.

Following the raging success of football's International Champions Cup (ICC) last week, which drew crowds of 99,000, 40,000 and 80,000 to friendly matches between Real Madrid, Manchester City and Roma at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the wealthy businessman is confident the series could attract the same fanfare.

"The sort of interest it would (create) would rival anything, like the recent State of Origin (rugby league match) in Melbourne, " he said.

Kestelman believes the Australia's strong presence in the world 's best basketball competition, with players such as Australian NBA champions Andrew Bogut and Patty Mills, would also provide focal point for the series.

"Any game we can get with an Aussie playing we would love to get," he said.

It is unlikely the series would be played as a part of the NBA regular season, with a Best of the NBA versus the Boomers, Australia's national team, one format put forward by Kestelman.

Rod Laver Arena, Etihad Stadium and the MCG are being considered as venues, with a final decision made on the teams or players booked and their ability to attract spectators.

"People would flock from far and wide to see it," Kestelman said.

Uncertainty surrounds the NBL's 2015-2016 season, due to begin in October, as the eight-team competition remains without a television broadcaster. Endi