Title-winning Illawarra Hawks great Mat Campbell has agreed to return to the role of NBL general manager, at least in the interim, as the club moves to finalise a new ownership structure.
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Campbell came to terms with the league in a deal announced on Tuesday at the end of the voluntary administration process, which began at the end of Simon Stratford's time as owner.
The NBL took back the licence from Stratford, as they negotiate with bidders including Wollongong Wolves owner Tory Lavalle in partnership with former Hawks guard and potential No.1 NBA draft pick LaMelo Ball.
Campbell had been stood down along with the other Hawks staff.
"I'm looking forward to working closely with the NBL during this period to continue the work we've done over the past two seasons," Campbell wrote in an NBL statement
"We are fortunate to have a very loyal and passionate fan base and we want and need each and every one of you on this journey with us.
"With your support and that of all of our corporate and community partners, I am confident the Hawks have a very exciting future ahead of us.
"We are committed to continuing to grow the club's fan base and building on the initiatives we have taken over the past two seasons and we will continue to explore new opportunities to take the club to the next level.
"Over the coming period I will work with the NBL specifically in regards to arrangements for next season including player and staff contracting so we can put in place a plan for the 2020-21 season.
"We want to keep building our great club on and off the court and we look forward to sharing more exciting news and announcements over the coming weeks and months."
It comes after the Mercury exclusively broke the story of LaMelo's bid to take on the Hawks ownership earlier this month, which prompted his manager Jermaine Jackson to declare it was a "done deal" to ESPN before it had been signed off on.
NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said: "After taking back the licence for the Illawarra Hawks when they were placed in voluntary administration, we have taken the initial steps towards finding new owners for the club.
"Mat Campbell has agreed to take on the role as Interim General Manager of the club and will provide invaluable insight to any incoming investor.
"The Hawks are one of the NBL's foundation clubs and we are currently assessing a longer term viable and sustainable model for the club so it can prosper well into the future.
"We want any new owner to be able to step into a business that is positioned on a strong growth trajectory.
"We are engaged in positive discussions with a number of interested parties and we're looking forward to finding the right ownership structure to ensure the Hawks' long-term success in the NBL."
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Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
