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The future of the Indonesian Basketball League was thrown into doubt after TVOne announced it was terminating its contract as the competition’s promoter.

Erick Thohir, TVOne’s president director, said the company was looking to shift its overall marketing strategy.

“We have officially notified Perbasi [Indonesian Basketball Association] of our decision, as we have an agreement with the association,” Erick said on Wednesday.

“The company’s strategy right now is to strengthen our market in a certain age group.”

TVOne and Perbasi signed a five-year contract in 2008. The station will buy out the remaining four years of the contract for Rp 600 million ($63,560). Erick also said TVOne would settle any outstanding debts relating to prize money.

Now the IBL faces the tough task of finding a new promoter. Unless the association can find someone to fill the vacancy left by TVOne, next year’s season will remain in doubt.

Ade Bella Harahap, head of the IBL’s board of commissioners, said the league was determined to hold the competition next year.

“We held a meeting on Tuesday, and part of the agenda was informing the clubs of TVOne’s decision,” Ade said.

“Right now, we have proposed several plans [to find a new promoter], as we want the IBL to roll in 2010.”

Plan A is to find a replacement promoter and several sponsors who can organize the tournament. Another proposal is to have one of the clubs to host the entire season.

After jointly organizing the IBL Tournament with Pelita Jaya Esia, Garuda Bandung is a prime candidate to host the season.

“If we’re called upon, we have to be ready,” Garuda team manager Simon Pasaribu said.

“But the league needs to act fast. We need a huge amount of funds and we need to invite sponsors.”