Marvin backs NBL survival

Perth Wildcats managing director Nick Marvin has faith in the future of the NBL despite the Townsville Crocodiles yesterday joining the Wollongong Hawks in entering into voluntary administration.

The NBL has been pitched into turmoil less than a week after the New Zealand Breakers clinched their fourth championship in the past five years, with the dire financial position of the Crocodiles and Hawks raising questions about its long-term viability.

Both clubs have reached out to their local communities to help keep them afloat.

In a statement announcing the move yesterday, the Crocodiles laid blame on the NBL for an inability to secure enough funding for next season.

"At this time the NBL is not able to provide clarity around the number of teams remaining in the competition or what the next season will look like," the statement said.

"As a result, the club has been unable to go to sale for the next season.

"Without additional funds coming in, the board has no alternative but to place the company into voluntary administration."

Marvin, also a member and former chairman of the NBL board, said the latest setbacks at club level would not be a critical blow to the league.

He said he believed the Hawks had enough community support to survive their voluntary administration. Other plans were in place should either club fold.

"The possibility of the Townsville Crocodiles going into administration was something I certainly expected based on their performance off the court," he said.

"I do believe Wollongong are very well managed and have good ownership backing.

"I believe they will survive and there will be no issues with them participating next year.

"If Townsville don't survive, then it is likely that we will still have an eight-team competition, with hopefully Brisbane in the mix for next year.

"I don't believe there is any risk to the competition. It's business as usual over here."