History
In 1981, the South Eastern Australian Basketball League (SEABL) was born when the Australian Club Championships ceased to operate due to the rise of Australia’s first truly national competition, the now professional National Basketball League.
The SEABL was divided into its current South and East Conference format in 1986 with teams from Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and South Australia. In 1998, when the NBL changed from a Winter league to the Summer, the SEABL grew in strength because elite Australian basketballers could now play in both leagues. Over the years, teams from Queensland and Australian Capital Territory have been added to the league expanding its scope and solidifying its reputation as Australia's premiere Winter basketball league.
The Men's competition features 16 teams playing a 27 game season, with the top four teams from each conference making the finals. Due to international obligations, the AIS only plays each team once and is not eligible for finals play.
In 1990, the SEABL Women's Competition was established. Currently, the Women's competition consists of 12 teams from Victoria and Tasmania, playing 22 games.
The SEABL will add a new Development League for both men and women commencing in the 2009 Season. Initially this will consist of only Victorian Clubs, but there are plans for future expansion to other states.
Life Members
- 1988 – Patricia Pitts
- 1989 – Ken Watson
- 1990 – Jason Placas
- 1992 – Chris Charles (deceased)
- 1999 – Max Brisbane
- 2003 – Pat Tilden
- 2003 – Glenise Clarke
- 2003 – Barbara Barton
Read more about this topic: South East Australian Basketball League
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