League owner Larry Kestelman’s grand vision for the NBL involves the possible introduction of a second WA franchise, potentially based in Fremantle, as part of an expanded 12-team competition within a few years.

And in a move borrowed from a common European sports club model, Kestelman wants powerful Australian football clubs from rival codes involved in running NBL teams.

Speaking to The West Australian on Friday, Kestelman claimed multiple AFL clubs were in discussions about adding basketball arms to their operations as the NBL seeks to insert a second Melbourne franchise into the existing eight-team competition as early as next season.

The Ukraine-born businessman, who has an estimated wealth of $749 million, believed commercial opportunities presented by the NBL would appeal to AFL clubs.

Kestelman hoped up to four expansion teams to be introduced in the coming years would be predominantly based in capital cities, with strong links to regional Australia and/or Asia.

Don't miss the latest sports news! Was $13 now $7 per week for 12 weeks* (Digital + Print) Enjoy unlimited access to thewest.com.au and everyday digital editions on any device. Thursday - Monday papers home delivered with all of the latest footy news! *T&Cs apply

Camera Icon NBL boss Larry Kestelman. Credit: Getty Images

He is currently on the hunt for backers with suitable business acumen to run the teams.

Kestelman said he was yet to approach Fremantle or West Coast, but would not rule out gauging the two WA-based AFL clubs’ interest in basketball in the future.

He also planned to test the waters with NRL clubs.

“I’m not interested in hobbyists that love basketball and think they just want to own a basketball club, I’m interested in business models and how business people run it,” Kestelman said.

“The other very interesting model to me, and we’re in discussions and have been approached by a number, is actually for other sporting organisations to own the licence.

“Preferably the ones that play in the (basketball) off-season.

“Soccer, maybe not, because (the A-League runs) in the same period (as the NBL).

“AFL clubs and NRL clubs, so someone like the Melbourne Storm, make a lot of sense because they have all the infrastructure and everything they need.

“For them to operate a basketball club is very simple.

“They already have big membership bases, employees, high performance, gyms, pools – everything they need.

“It’s literally a matter of putting a team together.

“It’s a very interesting model, so that’s something we’re exploring.”

News of AFL clubs’ fresh interest in the NBL comes on the back of their forays into professional netball and women’s football.

Collingwood and Greater Western Sydney have teams in the Super Netball competition, while the Storm are part owners of inaugural title winners Sunshine Coast Lightning.

The AFL has also taken steps into eSports.

Kestelman emphasised the importance of any party interested in NBL expansion committing fully to its basketball program as the revitalised competition seeks to continue its resurgence on the Australian sporting landscape.

“What’s going to be important to me is that basketball doesn’t get treated as a second-rate citizen,” Kestelman said.

“If the club takes it on, we want to make sure they’re serious about it and does it properly.

“But I think it’s a very logical model.

“If you’re in the business of running professional sport, you might as well utilize all your resources.

“If those seasons don’t clash, or almost don’t clash, then why not?

“It actually expands something to continue on an engagement for 12 months of the year.

“To me, it’s a bit of a no-brainer. If I was an AFL club, I can’t actually see a downside. I can only see an upside as to how you would get involved.”

Kestelman said he had yet to discuss with Perth Wildcats management the idea of establishing a second WA team, but was adamant it would benefit the sport.

The eight-time NBL champions have been WA’s sole representative in the league since their foundation in 1982.

“To have a rival there would probably make them even more successful,” Kestelman said.