World News – AU – New Hawks Owners Call On Illawarra Residents To Show NBL Their Name Matters

The owners of The Hawks have challenged local fans to show the NBL that Illawarra’s name should be reinstated by pledging their support for the team

The foundational NBL club have struggled with business for several seasons and were sold to new owners earlier this year without Illawarra’s name as the league believes the franchise must attract fans outside of its traditional fan base of the Wollongong region

Import and NBA prospect LaMelo Ball caused a stir in the NBL with the Hawks last yearCredit: Getty Images

This is the second time that the name Illawarra has been dropped as the team played the Wollongong Hawks from 1998 to 2015

Now team co-owner and chairman Dorry Kordahi has challenged fans to surpass 4,379 members and called on Illawarra businesses to become club sponsors

Local fans have expressed fury over the drop of the Illawarra name amid fears it could lead to the team being Canberra or Sydney closer

Some fans have also raised issues with ticket prices for the upcoming season, as the NBL has yet to confirm whether they will play at home or at a hub

The NBL will need to be convinced to reinstate the name given the possibility of gaining new support in bigger places

With Hall of Fame coach Brian Goorjian as coach and Kordahi and NBA executive Bryan Colangelo leading the ownership group, the Hawks have the most recognized leadership they have ever had. For years

They have also signed an exciting roster with NBA forward Deng Adel and Rio Olympian Cam Bairstow among the new signings

« Illawarra is in the Hawks’ DNA. It is a fundamental part of the club’s identity and history and must be part of its future, » Kordahi said

« The Illawarra is a proud region built on hard work and people coming together to help each other and it’s time to show that pride and support our campaign to put the Illawarra back into the Hawks

« We need to demonstrate to the NBL that this is a long term sustainable club and business that deserves to have Illawarra in its name But we need the support of the Illawarra community to make it happen. reach « 

The Hawks, National Basketball League, Brian Goorjian