On the eve of the NBL Playoffs, Seb Greenway and Karl Beston sit down with the Head of Operations of the South East Melbourne Phoenix, Rohan Short, to discuss the league’s budding franchise. They discuss the organisation’s vision and short to medium term plans as well as the expectations both commercially and on the court in 2019-20. Rohan explains the Phoenix’s pitch to prospective players, coaches and administrators and how this differs from the pitch to potential corporate sponsors. The difficulty of not only being a start-up club but having to pay homage to South East Melbourne Magic supporters while making the clear distinction that the Phoenix is a new franchise. The commercial viability of two Melbourne teams and whether the Phoenix looking to cannibalise fans from Melbourne United or establish its own base? Before turning to more general topics concerning the NBL, such as: 1. What does the NBL need to do to maintain momentum and growth? 2. What are his personal thoughts on expansion and the 10th franchise licence 3. Can the NBL win government/institutional support like the AFL? And 4. Can private ownership work in the Australia? Music: Joakim Karud (royalty free)