League exit looms

Timberwolves cling to their last hope

Philipp D'Angelo (center) and the Timberwolves cling to their last hope.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

For the basketball players of the Vienna Timberwolves, it is economically five to - or rather five past twelve. March 31 was the deadline for submitting the documents for the Superliga license for the coming season. Things are not looking good at the moment. Above all, there is a lack of money from the city.

The Timberwolves basketball Superliga club can breathe a sigh of relief. Despite the 65:91 defeat in Kapfenberg, relegation is secured with three rounds to go. In sporting terms. Economically, however, things look bad. The team from Donaustadt submitted the documents for licensing for next season on time on March 31. According to reports, however, there will not be enough money for another season in the top division. An assessment will now take place until April 10. Decisions should be made by May at the latest.

"We are currently still in talks with the city, but it doesn't look good," Timberwolves manager Bernhard Oliva also hints that things will be tight without support from the city hall. However, it is not a question of using public money to finance legionnaires, but of fulfilling the framework conditions required for the license in terms of personnel infrastructure. For example, two coaches, one of whom is employed by the youth team, and a 40-hour-a-week office have to be paid for.

However, the "Korbjäger" are not alone in this fate. Handball champions West Wien have already been hit, and the ice hockey cracks of the Vienna Capitals are also struggling with the situation. "We're definitely not the only club struggling with this problem," says Oliva.

The association is also aware of this. "Top-class sport is only possible with the support of the city and state. We see this in all other locations and hope that this will also be the case in Vienna," says Superliga Managing Director Albert Handler. Otherwise there will only be one Viennese Superliga club next season, BC Vienna. But hope dies last.