Kelley Has "No Intention" of Selling 36ers Licence

Adelaide 36ers owner and chairman Grant Kelley has slammed suggestions he could sell the club’s NBL licence, and has stated his initial investment in the side started as a “passion project”.

Kelley took over the major financial stake in the 36ers in 2017, and played a key role in the side’s move from the old Adelaide 36ers Arena to the larger Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

After defeating NBA side Phoenix in pre-season last year, the 36ers flattered to deceive in NBL23 and eventually finished eighth on the ladder.

“It started as a passion project, then it quickly switched into ‘gee, we’ve really got to switch this thing around,” Kelley said on The Big Deal.

“Obviously we’re not happy with what’s occurred on the court, but one thing I’m somewhat proud of is we’ve quadrupled the revenue base of the club, and it’s set us up for future success.

“I have no intention of selling the licence.”

The NBL has experienced massive growth since Kelly took over the 36ers, which has culminated in the consistent breaking of crowd numbers across the competition.

Adelaide smashed its own record for attendance against the Brisbane Bullets last season, as over 9,000 fans piled through the turnstiles in Round 13.

They broke that record a further four times across the remainder of the season, in an incredible sign of support from the South Australian public. 

“It’s evolved a lot since I did that deal,” Kelley said of the NBL. “It’s become a far bigger business.

“There wasn’t the global broadcast that we have for the NBL now.

“It’s become a very successful business, so it would require a significant premium [to buy into].

“I suspect the due diligence process would be far more detailed than it was a decade ago.”

The 36ers will kick off their NBL24 season with a clash against Brisbane on Friday, September 29.