By Roy Ward
NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger can’t be certain how the first Christmas day game will play out but he is confident it will become a big fixture in the future and other sports will follow it.
The Sydney Kings face Melbourne United at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on Christmas night becoming the first Australian professional teams to play on December 25.
Melbourne United captain Chris Goulding and his club will take on the Sydney Kings in Sydney on Christmas Day.Credit:Getty Images
Loeliger believes other sports are silently watching to see how things play out commercially.
“I think everyone is biting their tongues,” Loeliger said.
“A few people, particularly codes who don’t play over summer, they think it is a great idea but that’s easy to say if that choice will never be hoisted upon you.
“But those others who play across the summer are probably sitting back and pretty quietly happy we have taken the first step, so they can sit back and watch the response.
“We are fine with that. We love being market leaders in all the different aspects of what it is we do. If they jump on board and do it in future years, then good luck to them.
“We like being pioneers.”
The Kings described ticket sales as “steady” but both the league and broadcaster Network 10 will be hoping numerous TV and online viewers tune in around the country given there is no other live sport.
Loeliger also believes the league could draw in new fans who don’t celebrate Christmas and those who are away from family and looking for something to do in Sydney.
“There is a little bit of uncertainty as it has never been done before but there is no reason why it shouldn’t rate on television,” Loeliger said.
“It is a fantastic product, family orientated and almost purpose-built for people who are sitting around after Christmas lunch or Christmas dinner and are looking for something to watch as they digest and spend time together.
“The biggest test is for people in Sydney and whether they have enough energy left to get off the couch and get to Qudos Bank Arena.
“Those other [codes] who play across the summer are probably sitting back and pretty quietly happy we have taken the first step, so they can sit back and watch the response.”
“Another really interesting test here is will this product appeal to a slightly different demographic? We have so many people in our really diverse community who don’t celebrate it yet almost everything shuts down for it or those people who don’t have loved ones to share Christmas with.”
While the response around the sporting community has been positive, the NBL has received a few groups emailing the league to complain about playing on Christmas.
“They are entitled to their opinions and everyone gets to make their own choices,” Loeliger said.
“We are not insisting anyone should tune in and watch or attend our game if it doesn’t reconcile with their beliefs or values. We are trying to give people a choice when they might not have other things to do on the day.”
The NBL doesn’t intend this to be an annual match for Melbourne United and Sydney Kings given the strain on the Victorian club this year.
“We do hope it becomes an NBL tradition but it would make a lot of sense to look at a cross-town derby for Christmas Day games in future years,” Loeliger said.
“It may take some time for people to warm up to its full potential, but this year should be a good indication of people’s interest
“Even if it is a success this year, it will only be a fraction of the success it will be in years to come.”
The Kings host Melbourne United at Qudos Bank Arena on Christmas day at 6.30pm AEDT
