August 1979: the inaugural season of the Nationalย Basketballย League commences in earnest.
While alterations have been made to the league over the past four decades and change, theย NBLย remains Australia's third-oldest continual sporting code, behind only the Sheffield Shield and the Australianย Footballย League.
Several franchises may have reigned supreme over the past 45 years, however, plenty of once-beloved teams have simultaneously fallen by the wayside, including a handful of past champions.
From a smattering of original teams to a destined-to-fail franchise out of Asia, here are the 24 defunct NBL teams.
Franchise | Location | Years Active |
Canberra Cannons | Canberra, ACT | 1979-2003 |
Devenport Warriors | Devenport, Tasmania | 1983-1984 |
Eastside Spectres | Nunawading, Victoria | 1979-1991 |
Forestville Eagles | Wayville, South Australia | 1980-1981 |
Frankston Bears | Frankston, Victoria | 1983-1984 |
Geelong Supercats | Geelong, Victoria | 1982-1996 |
Glenelg Tigers | Glenelg, South Australia | 1979 |
Gold Coast Blaze | Gold Coast, Queensland | 2007-2012 |
Gold Coast Rollers | Gold Coast, Queensland | 1990-1996 |
Hobart Devils | Hobart, Tasmania | 1983-1996 |
Hunter Pirates | Newcastle, New South Wales | 2003-2006 |
Launceston Casino City | Launceston, Tasmania | 1980-1982 |
Newcastle Falcons | Newcastle, New South Wales | 1979-1999 |
North Melbourne Giants | North Melbourne, Victoria | 1980-1998 |
Singapore Slingers | Singapore | 2006-2008 |
South Dragons | Melbourne, Victoria | 2006-2009 |
South East Melbourne Magic | Melbourne, Victoria | 1992-1998 |
Southern Melbourne Saints | Melbourne, Victoria | 1979-1991 |
Sydney Supersonics | Sydney, New South Wales | 1979-1987 |
Townsville Crocodiles | Townsville, Queensland | 1993-2016 |
Victoria Titans | Melbourne, Victoria | 1998-2004 |
West Adelaide Bearcats | Adelaide, South Australia | 1979-1984 |
West Sydney Razorbacks | Western Sydney, New South Wales | 1998-2009 |
West Sydney Westars | Bankstown, New South Wales | 1979-1987 |