Basketball: Sydney returns to ANBL

SYDNEY - Three-time former NBL champion the Sydney Kings will return to the league for the 2010-11 season, it was announced in Sydney today.

At a press conference held at Newington College in Sydney, the league announced the well known sporting brand would become the ninth team competing next season.

Former Kings coach Bob Turner will be the club's general manager while the consortium of owners is led by former Myer executive chairman and senior executive of Woolworths Bill Wavish, who will be club chairman.

Turner is confident the new consortium can guarantee the long-term future of the club, which folded in 2008 under the guidance of disgraced businessman Tim Johnston.

"The consortium of Sydney Kings' owners is absolutely committed not just to the team but also to the sport of basketball," Turner said.

"We have sought investors who believe in the sport and are dedicated to the long-term success of the Kings and Sydney basketball as a whole."

It is still uncertain where the new club will call home, with negotiations continuing with the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

The Kings will join Adelaide, Cairns, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, New Zealand, Perth, Townsville and Wollongong for the 2010-11 season which will commence in October this year.

- AAP