NBL clubs face delay in receiving prize money

LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

National Basketball League (NBL) champions Urban Knights had their game on Tuesday night against Port Royal Bulls postponed. The champions are seeking to secure last year's prize money before progressing any further this season.

President of Urban Knights, Gordon Porter, said his club is working with the Jamaica Basketball Association (JBA) to resolve the matter.

"We did not withdraw from the game, but a decision was taken to have the game postponed due to our concerns," Porter told The Gleaner yesterday.

"We are making progress on the issue and we expect a speedy resolution on the matter."

Drink brand Juciful, which was an associate sponsor of the NBL last season, still owes the JBA a portion of the sponsorship money, which has resulted in the delayed payment. The sponsorship deal was worth $1 million. Owen Flowers, sales and marketing manager of Jamaica Citrus Growers Ltd., producers of Juciful, declined to comment on the matter when contacted.

President of the JBA, Marland Nattie, said the issue could be resolved as early as today.

Being patient

"We understand the economic circumstances and we have to give and take so we are being patient," said Nattie.

Nattie added that only two clubs are owed money, Urban Knights and Blazing Panthers, last season's beaten finalists. Urban Knights earned $175,000 for winning the league, while the runner-up cash incentive was $100,000.

Coach of Blazing Panthers, Donald Bimmer, confirmed his club is owed money but that it will continue with its games.

"I don't think it's prudent to this year's sponsors to carry over something from last year," Bimmer noted.