Illawarra Hawks sign new multi-year deal with WIN Entertainment Centre

The Illawarra Hawks are thrilled to announce a three-year deal has been signed with Venues NSW – meaning the club will play home games at the WIN Entertainment Centre until 2024.

The Hawks have called the WIN Entertainment Centre home since 1998, with the court the site of the club’s only NBL title in 2000-01.

Venues NSW CEO Kerrie Mather presented Hawks President and Co-Owner Dorry Kordahi a framed piece of the home court in honour of the new deal.

Mr Kordahi said the three-year agreement for all Hawks home matches and finals was a landmark result for the club.

“We are so excited to lock in a venue agreement which will secure the immediate future of the Hawks in the Illawarra. For years, this club has been the subject of constant uncertainty - so it is with great delight we announce this agreement today. It’s a massive win for basketball in the Illawarra and further strengthens our commitment to this region and our loyal fanbase,” Mr Kordahi said.

Ms Mather said the new deal would ensure the Hawks remain a significant part of the Wollongong sport and entertainment community for years to come.

“We are delighted to sign the first ever multi-year deal with the Illawarra Hawks and we know Wollongong will benefit greatly from Hawks matches during the NBL season, which create local jobs and guarantee exposure in the truly national competition,” Ms Mather said.

“Much Hawks history has been made at WIN Entertainment Centre, including the club’s maiden championship in the 2000-01 season. We look forward to the future of our partnership and can’t wait to see the Hawks build on their successful campaign last season.”

Venues NSW has invested in significant customer service and player facilities in the lead-up to the 2021-22 NBL season, including:
• New courtside seating;
• Upgraded merchandise, corporate and premium product facilities;
• New Hawks change room facilities and competition standard backstops;
• New sports and house lighting and supporting ICT infrastructure.

Further to this exciting news Kordahi revealed the club was in talks with the league about using the venue to host pre-season matches in late November as part of the upcoming NBL Blitz campaign.

“Our discussions with the NBL have been extremely positive and we are confident of hosting up to two games as part of the Blitz at the WEC, this would be a first for our region and our club and further shows our commitment to developing the Illawarra region as a destination for Basketball”

“We will have more details in the coming days, but we are very happy with how the conversations are progressing. The games would be a welcomed test-run for us at WIN Entertainment Centre and we are very excited at the possibility of welcoming our faithful fans to have a sneak peek at our exciting new roster before the season begins in December.”