Yesterday an NBL source said the league would officially start taking team applications for next year's revamped national competition by the end of the week.

The Hawks have effectively finalised their written submission, but the NBL's last remaining foundation club does not have the finances to cover the $1.5 million entry fee and is likely to be left out in the cold unless the powers that be change the original criteria.

"Nothing has really changed from our perspective and I still find it difficult to understand the amount of money involved," Hawks chairman Richard Clifford said.

"Other factors could come into play which could support our case, but we'll wait until the actual criteria comes out and go from there."

While the 2008-09 season could be Wollongong's last, it is believed the majority of the NBL's 10 clubs will be able to meet the criteria.

However, the Sydney Spirit's well documented financial troubles are no closer to being solved and Hawks management remains hopeful the league might throw their club a lifeline to ensure NSW is represented by at least one team in the new competition.

More will be revealed over the next few days, but it is looking more and more likely next year's league will feature no more than eight sides, with Wollongong destined to join the long list of clubs that have fallen by the wayside in the NBL's 30-year history.