NBL Game Cancelled, Court Surface Deemed 'Unsafe'

Basketball fans have been left disappointed after this afternoon's NBL pre-season clash between the Sydney Kings and Illawarra Hawks at Newcastle Entertainment Centre was cancelled at the last minute.

The court surface was wet and declared unplayable.

In a statement from the Sydney Kings, the club said the venue "took full responsibility for preparing a court that was unsafe to be played on."

"It was not a decision that was made lightly, with both teams agreeing that it would be too dangerous take part," the club said.

"The Sydney Kings were very excited to be able to bring the NBL back to Newcastle after more than a decade, and share in the frustrations of the fans that had turned up to the venue."

"We are committed to bringing basketball back to the Hunter, and hope that the local community will continue to show their support for their Kings as was evident by the crowd today."

Fans have been offered a refund of all tickets and parking costs.