Former AFL boss named as co-chair of NBL advisory board

The NBL has recruited former footy boss Andrew Demetriou in an attempt to grow the game to AFL-like popularity.

Demetriou, who led the AFL as CEO for 11 years, has been named co-chair of the NBL’s advisory board, which is an honorary role.

He told Neil Mitchell he doesn’t see basketball as competition for the AFL, rather the two sports complement each other.

“The sports complement each other, there’s a couple of AFL teams I know they’ve been spoken to about having an alliance with an NBL team, I think it’s a good model and it works in Europe,” Mr Demetriou said.

“There would be supporters of AFL who follow NBL teams.”

“You don’t see competition with AFL here?” Neil asked.

“I don’t think so Neil.”

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“So do you see more basketball than football these days?” Neil asked.

“Certainly do,” Mr Demetriou replied.

“Broadcasting is important hopefully we can help in that are, as the game continues to grow I think there will be a much greater demand on free-to-air.”

Photo: AAP