Bring Back the Falcons: How former Kings & Hawks owner Dorry Kordahi is trying to bring an NBL team to Newcastle

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Former Sydney Kings and Illawarra Hawks owner Dorry Kordahi takes us inside his latest venture — buying into the Lebanese Basketball League and becoming president of the NSA Falcons.

Host Dan Boyce chats with Kordahi on why the LBL is one of the most powerful basketball markets in the world (and why the timing to invest is right now), how the opportunity came together through long-time connections, and what he's already doing on the ground.

From there, the conversation shifts back home. Kordahi addresses ongoing talk around NBL expansion — including his interest in a second Sydney franchise and his long-running push to help bring the Newcastle Falcons back into the league. He explains why stadium infrastructure is the biggest barrier, why government support is essential, and how the NBL's growth over the past decade has changed the way "small market" clubs can recruit and compete.

Topics include:

• Kordahi's move into Lebanese basketball and why the LBL market makes sense (0:30)

• How the NSA Falcons deal came together — and why he took a "rebuild" job again (2:30)

• His role as club president, early meetings in Beirut, and what he wants to change (4:30)

• Bridging Lebanon and Australia — exhibitions, coaching pathways, and NBL credibility overseas (5:30)

• Why the NBL is viewed as a premier league in Lebanon — and what that unlocks (6:30)

• Second Sydney team talk — and whether Lebanon closes the door on NBL ownership (7:00)

• Newcastle Falcons expansion push: history, market size, and what's holding it back (7:45)

• The stadium problem in Australia — and why it limits growth for the entire sport (10:00)

• Kings vs Hawks from the inside: big club vs small club realities (12:00)

• Rivalry mindset, "underdog fuel", and how the Hawks used the Kings as motivation (13:30)

• How the league has changed: balance, recruitment, and why the "small team stigma" is fading (15:30)

• What needs to happen for the NBL's 11th team to become real (18:00)

Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring:

• Australian Basketball Legends: Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, Glen Saville, Sam MacKinnon, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, Brad Newley
• Current NBL Stars: Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Xavier Cooks, Tyler Harvey, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordan Hunter, Flynn Cameron, Keli Leaupepe, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Luke Travers, Sam Froling, Jesse Wagstaff
• Our Finest Coaching Minds: Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Adam Forde, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer
• NBA Stars Past & Present: Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Jack McVeigh, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Jack White, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton
• The NBL's Greatest Imports: Leroy Loggins, Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Cal Bruton, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Dwayne McClain, Darnell Mee, Shawn Redhage, Al Green, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch
• The Men In Control: Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

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