Feeling the Force as Tasmania’s new northern NBL1 team announced

Northern Tasmanians will soon have a new basketball club to support.

The Northern Tasmania Basketball Club men’s and women’s teams are set to join the Hobart Chargers in the NBL1.

The NTBC launched its branding today, unveiling the Northern Force.

The Force will divide its home games between Launceston and Ulverstone. 
Minister for Sport, Nick Duigan, said basketball continues to grow in popularity across Tasmania.

“Basketball has enjoyed a lot of momentum in the last few years, especially with the JackJumpers team taking the national competition by storm,” Minister Duigan said.

“We expect the Force to have a similar impact on basketball and I know people in the north and north-west, will embrace them.

“Basketball Tasmania has been instrumental in helping to form this new club, and the Tasmanian Government is proud to be a strong supporter of the work they do in leading participation and education programs around the state, and fostering talent.”

Liberal Member for Bass, Rob Fairs, said he was proud to have helped secure this new northern basketball team.

“The Tornadoes legacy is a proud one for Northern Tasmania, and I was such a proud supporter of them, and the Force is going to get the same from me,” Mr Fairs said.

“Securing this team is a big win for northern Tasmania. I can’t wait to see the Force bring that passion to the rest of the North.”

The NTBC teams will play home games during 2026 at the Elphin Sports Centre and Ulverstone Sports and Leisure Centre.

The Force will open their season with back-to-back games on Friday March 27 in Ulverstone against Frankston and then on Saturday March 28 at Elphin against Nunawading.