Basketball Otago yesterday called for the community's help to get the team back on the court.
Chief executive Mark Rogers said the organisation had been working hard behind the scenes to prepare a bid to re-enter the NBL in 2010.
"The Nuggets have been part of the Otago and NBL landscape for 18 years and have contributed a great deal to the region and the sport in that time," Basketball Otago said in a press release.
"Now it is the time for the wider community to get involved and pledge their support for the Nuggets."
Rogers said in the current economic environment the Nuggets needed the community to "get in behind the team" to help make its return a reality.
In a draft budget, Basketball Otago expects it will need just under $500,000 to support the campaign in 2010.
Most of that money would have to come from donations, grants and sponsorship, he said.
"It is tough at any time but the economic situation is just making it tougher," Rogers said.
Basketball Otago decided against entering a team in the 2009 NBL because it felt it could no longer continue to prop up the cash-strapped franchise at the expense of other areas of its operation.
That decision was announced at a special meeting called to inform the basketball community late last year.
A ginger group emerged from the meeting determined to keep the franchise in the league but its bid fell short.
However, Rogers said it was an indication the community felt strongly about the Nuggets and he remains hopeful the region will embrace the campaign to save the team.
Basketball New Zealand is expected to call for expressions of interest for the 2010 NBL in the next few weeks.
Pledge forms can be obtained from the Edgar Centre or online at www.basketballotago.co.nz.
