The only team to survive every single season of Australian basketball
In short: In a league defined by shifting franchises and financial collapses, one team stands alone. Since 1979, the Illawarra Hawks have competed in every single NBL season. Their journey from local championships to national titles is a masterclass in community resilience and survival.
Prior to entering the National Basketball League (NBL) during its first 1979 campaign, the Illawarra Hawks started out within the New South Wales Men's Division 1 championship. Despite numerous clubs relocating or closing throughout history, this franchise stands as the sole NBL side to participate in each year since the league launched. They spent their first twenty seasons playing at the 2,000-seat Snakepit Stadium before moving into the WIN Entertainment Centre (known as "The Sandpit") for the 1998–99 season.
Their history is marked by high-stakes drama and near-extinction. In February 2009, ownership declared the team would not be able to join the revamped league due to financial issues. A community-led "Save the Hawks" campaign led by captain Mat Campbell secured their future through local commitment and a bank guarantee from Indian mining magnate Mr. Arun Jagatramka. The club has also faced voluntary administration twice, notably in 2015 and again in 2020, only to be saved by league intervention and new ownership.
On the court, the Hawks reached their zenith in the 2000/01 season, becoming the first New South Wales team to win an NBL grand final. They captured their first title after a dramatic semi-final where Damon Lowery sank three free throws with no time on the clock. After a long drought, they secured their second championship in 2025, clinching a 114–104 series victory that earned them the keys to the city of Wollongong.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Illawarra Hawks
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