2 June 2023
The Darwin Salties have become the hottest ticket in town since joining the NBL1 competition and the Territory Labor Government is continuing its support for the 2023 season.
The Salties will receive $400,000 to support the growth and expansion of the men and women's NBL1 teams and secure its future in the competition.
This funding will support player recruitment and retention, junior development pathways and membership growth, along with contributing to the Salties continued participation in the NBL1, giving Territory basketball fans more top level sport to enjoy.
Basketball is a highly popular sport in the NT, with more than 2500 registered participants.
The Salties provide a pathway for young boys and girls who want to pursue a career as professional basketballers.
The Territory Labor Government has already contributed $100,000 to the Darwin Basketball Association to increase seating capacity to 1200 to allow more basketball fans to attend Salties home games.
Quotes from Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:
"Territorians love their sport and the Territory Labor Government will continue to invest in Territory sport. The success Salties gives all of us is something to celebrate and be proud of.
"This $400,000 funding continues to support the Salties. Territory kids can now see what is possible and are striving to one day become a Salties player.
"I'm focused every day on building the Territory's future, and the growth of this truly Territory team is part of that future. I know they'll keep growing and succeeding, and making us all proud to be Territorian. This is just the beginning."
Quotes from Sport Minister Kate Worden:
"The Salties are an important part of the Territory sporting landscape and have become an instantly recognisable brand around Darwin and the NBL1 competition.
"Basketball participation continues to grow in the NT and the Salties provide a pathway for young aspiring basketballers to reach the top level.
Quotes from Darwin Basketball Executive Officer Kerri Savidge:
"The Territory Labor Government has helped secure the future of the Salties and it gives us the ability to provide a great, ongoing game night experience.
"It will help us turn a lot of dreams for the club into reality and put life back into us to go on and reach the next step."
Quotes from Darwin Salties Coach Matt Flinn:
"What the NT Government has offered grant wise will now create a legacy that will go on for years and decades to come.
"We all know what sport does for kids and now our young Territorians can have a clear pathway and play at the highest level.
"This type of injection can have a massive impact to the basketball community and the wider Northern Territory community."
Northern Territory Government
