22
Oct
4 min read
Cairns Taipans NBL Profile: Five things you need to know
North Queensland club still chasing title glory
The Cairns Taipans is a professional basketball team based in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. Established in 1999, they compete in the National Basketball League (NBL), Australia’s premier basketball competition.
The Taipans, affectionately known as the “Snakes,” have developed a strong fan base, becoming a vital part of the Cairns community while consistently competing at a high level in the NBL.
Formation and early Years (1999-2004)
The Cairns Taipans were founded in 1999 as part of the NBL's efforts to expand the league and bring professional basketball to more regional areas of Australia. The team’s inclusion followed a surge in basketball popularity in the late 1990s, and the Taipans became one of the first regional NBL teams in North Queensland. Despite financial limitations, the Taipans quickly established themselves as a resilient team, known for their competitive spirit and loyal fan base.
The early years were challenging for the Taipans, both on and off the court. As a smaller market team, they struggled to match the resources and talent pools of larger clubs like the Perth Wildcats and Sydney Kings. However, they remained a staple in the league due to their tenacity and the unwavering support from their Cairns community. By 2004, the team was beginning to show improvement, though sustained success was still elusive.
Financial turbulence and community ownership (2008-2010)
In 2008, the Taipans faced a major crisis when financial difficulties threatened their existence. The team went into voluntary administration, and their future in the NBL looked uncertain. However, in a remarkable display of community spirit, a group of local businesses and fans came together to save the club. The Taipans transitioned into a community-owned team, becoming the only such franchise in the NBL.
This change to community ownership proved to be a turning point for the Cairns Taipans. The financial restructuring provided stability, allowing the team to focus on building a competitive squad. The support from the local community strengthened the bond between the team and its fans, further solidifying the Taipans' position as a crucial part of Cairns’ sports culture.
Competitive success and finals appearances (2011-2020)
The 2010s saw the Taipans enjoy greater on-court success. Under the guidance of head coach Aaron Fearne, the Taipans reached the NBL Finals in the 2010-11 season, making it to their first-ever Grand Final series, though they ultimately lost to the New Zealand Breakers. This achievement cemented their reputation as serious competitors in the league.
The Taipans made another finals appearance in the 2014-15 season, finishing the regular season as minor premiers. Once again, they made it to the Grand Final series but fell short of winning the championship, against the New Zealand Breakers again.
Recent years and future prospects (2020-Present)
The Cairns Taipans have continued to be a competitive force in the NBL. Though they have yet to secure their first championship, the team's ongoing development of young talent, combined with a strong organisational structure, has positioned them as a potential future title contender. Their focus on community engagement and steady growth underlines their significance in Australian basketball.
Five Facts about the Cairns Taipans
- Established in 1999: The Cairns Taipans joined the NBL as an expansion team, quickly becoming a beloved franchise in North Queensland.
- Community-Owned Team: After facing financial challenges in 2008, the team became the only community-owned franchise in the NBL, a unique feature that highlights the dedication of their fan base.
- Two-Time Grand Finalists: The Taipans reached the NBL Grand Finals twice, in 2011 and 2015, though they narrowly missed out on the championship both times.
- Aaron Fearne's Impact: Head coach Aaron Fearne was instrumental in leading the Taipans to their first Grand Final in 2011 and is credited with much of the team’s success during his tenure.
- Taipans Arena: The team plays its home games at the Cairns Convention Centre, which can hold around 5,000 fans and is known for its intense and passionate atmosphere.
The Cairns Taipans, with their community roots and competitive drive, are a team with a rich history and an exciting future in Australian basketball.
