Reigning champions Hong Kong Bulls have been left without a venue for China’s National Basketball League play-offs this month, after the governing body ruled Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai was not up to standard.
The Hong Kong outfit are one of eight teams in the Chinese second-tier league this season. They have confirmed receipt of a warning letter from the Chinese Basketball Association, stating there is insufficient space between the stands – the goalposts – and the walls.
The NBL’s standards are on par with the requirements of the sport’s world governing body, Fiba, whose Level 1 matches require a minimum of two metres of unobstructed space.
The post-season, which features four teams, will run between August 30 and September 25, with the final a best-of-seven series.
The Post understands that the Bulls are still actively looking for other venue options in the city to stage their play-off matches. Sources said that Hong Kong Coliseum was already found to be “off limits” and had to be booked a full year in advance.
Southorn Stadium has been deemed not up to standard by the NBL. Photo: Handout
“Kai Tak Arena could be available for some of the best-of-five semi-final series matches, but it is unlikely it could accommodate all three home matches,” the source said.