Former AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou is returning to the sporting world after a four year absence, but he returns to join a different sporting code to the one he left.

NBL’s owner Larry Kestelman has enticed Demetrious to join him as co-chairman of the NBL’s newly formed advisory board.

Since departing the AFL in 2014, Demetrious has resisted overtures to return to the sporting world, preferring to concentrate instead on several business roles in the corporate sector including Chairman of Capital Health and a director on the boards of James Packer’s Crown Resorts and the Bastion Group.

Businessman Larry Kestelman, who took a controlling interest in the NBL in 2015, has been described as basketball’s white knight, something akin to the relationship of Frank Lowy, to Australian Soccer. Upcoming broadcast negotiations are crucial components of his determined push to lead basketball into the top ranks of Australian sport.

Demetriou, together with Kestelman, will chair a newly formed advisory board whose major task is to negotiate a new broadcast deal for the sport, after the current deal expires at the end of the current NBL finals series. Demetriou and the board will also look to secure greater commercial agreements for the NBL with its corporate partners.

In a statement following the announcement, Demetriou said, “I am thrilled to be asked to co-chair the NBL’s Advisory Board. Larry and his team have done a wonderful job rebuilding the league over the last three years and this is an exciting time for the NBL and Australian Basketball as we saw with the announcement the USA Men’s Basketball team will play in Australia next year.

“The NBL is a great family entertainment product and world class sport and I look forward to working with a very talented board, staff, clubs, players and the fans to ensure its continued growth and rightful place on the sports entertainment landscape in Australia.”

Larry Kestelman said: “I’m delighted Andrew has agreed to help lead the NBL into its next exciting growth phase.  As Chief Executive of the AFL he oversaw a huge growth in AFL including record broadcast deals that have underpinned the sport’s growth and long term viability.

“He is one of a number of highly credentialed men and women with vast experience in business and sport who have agreed to join our new Advisory Board and we will continue to look for other CEOs and high profile business people from around Australia who feel they have something to contribute.

“Basketball in Australia is flourishing. The NBL has enjoyed record crowds this season and the sport is enjoying record participation. Our new Advisory Board headed by Andrew and myself will help take the NBL to the next level in Australian and world sport.”