The next NBL team is set to be housed and owned by Hawthorn, as links between basketball and football grow, according to SEN newsman Sam Edmund.

The NBL has thrown their public support behind an AFL-NBL organisation framework, and it is getting closer to happening, with the Hawks leading the charge to own a basketball team.

“We are told the Hawks are now committed to creating and housing an NBL team at its new Dingley base, which is still a few years away,” Edmund told SEN Breakfast.

“The NBL is keen on expansion, but it seems highly unlikely to happen next season given it starts in October and all the free agency windows and trading that has to go into that, and broadcast rights.

“We are told the Hawks are now roll gold committed to having an NBL team known as the Hawthorn Hawks in the NBL competition.”

Yesterday, the club announced the Monash Storm Netball Club will be rebranded as The Hawks in the BUPA Victorian Netball League (BUPA VNL) competition.

It was announced today former AFL boss Andrew Demetriou has joined the NBL as Co-Chair of the league's Advisory Board.

Edmund also confirmed conversations involving Essendon and a NBL side is “ongoing,” and Fremantle is also interested.