Restarting with fans is NBL's No.1 goal

Next summer's NBL competition could be delayed until the new year if that's what it takes to start the season with fans in the stands.

NBL owner Larry Kestelman is hopeful the 2020-21 season can still start in October but says if COVID-19 restrictions on large gatherings are still in place at that time, a later starting date is very much an option.

NBL clubs are reliant on sponsorship and gate takings given the competition lacks a rich broadcast deal and Sydney Kings owner Paul Smith told AAP last week the league may not be possible without crowds.

Kestelman concedes having fans in the stands is the preference when the new season gets underway.

"We'll do everything in our power to make the season happen with fans," Kestelman told SEN's Dwayne's World program.

"That's what ultimately we want.

"That's how the clubs derive most of their income. That's what the lifeblood of the sport is. It's the fans, it's the participants, so we've got a bit of time before we need to make that decision."

Kestelman said the one advantage the NBL has over other professional sporting leagues is time.

With three months needed to get the season up and running, a decision on whether the campaign can begin in October doesn't have to be considered until the end of June.

"Even if the season can't start on time in early October I think we can be a little bit flexible with time," he said.

"The deal we've done with players, who've really taken on board what we all need to do to get through this crisis, is that we can actually delay our season."

Kestelman added that if the season has to be played with only Australian talent due to travel restrictions on imports, that's a scenario he would be comfortable with.