Discussions with state governments, including NSW and Victoria, are ongoing in terms of possible NBL hubs for the 2020-21 competition, which was postponed until January earlier this week.

Loeliger said regional areas such as Newcastle and Wollongong would be able to support Sydney venues if NSW was eventually given the nod.

"New South Wales has everything we would need in order to be able to play in a hub if we decide to do that for part or all of the season," Loeliger said.

"Our conversations with various representatives of NSW Government have been both positive and productive.

"We are very confident of the ability to host more NBL games in NSW than would ordinarily be the case and that's underpinned by the fact that they have first class facilities both in Sydney and also in regional areas such as Wollongong and Newcastle.

"Sport and major events will be critical to the economic recovery of the state and we think the NBL can assist in this regard, potentially bringing tourists from around the country to watch their teams compete in NSW if they're not able to do so in their home cities."

Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Newcastle Basketball Stadium at Broadmeadow could be options for the NBL, but neither venue has been contacted officially.

Newcastle Basketball are working towards a new headquarters at Hillsborough, but the facility isn't expected to be completed until the end of next year.

An NBL trial between the Sydney Kings and Illawarra Hawks was set to be played at Newcastle Entertainment Centre in 2018 but got cancelled last minute because of issues with the playing surface.

The Newcastle Falcons and Hunter Pirates were previously part of the NBL.

While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here

IN SPORT: