After missing out on Hawks ownership, Illawarra businessman Tory Lavalle is open-minded to staying on as major sponsor of the NBL club.
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Lavalle's Multi Civil and Rail company has been involved with the Hawks since 2015 and he launched a bid with top NBA draft prospect LaMelo Ball, who played in Wollongong last season, with his agent Jermaine Jackson.
When the announcement was made the new ownership group - led by former Sydney Kings part-owner Dorry Kordahi, prominent former NBA executive Bryan Colangelo and US businessman and basketball influencer Michael Proctor - would drop the name Illawarra it led to a fierce backlash.
Another sponsor, burger bar His Boy Elroy, said they would end their involvement with the club, declaring "although we will always support players and fans in the future we will rather opt to support grassroots basketball in the Illawarra" in a statement on social media.
But Lavalle said he would wait and see on any future involvement.
"I wouldn't say no or never," he said.
"I've been involved because I want to support sport in the Illawarra, that's what I'm about, so we'll see how it pans out.
"I just want this region to be successful."
Lavalle is owner of the Wollongong Wolves, who won the NSW National Premier League football title last year, before going on to take out the Australia-wide tournament of champions, under coach Luke Wilkshire.
He has also in the process of building a stable of horses he owns, based at Kembla Grange racecourse.
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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.
