By MATT RICHENS and GEOFF TAYLOR - Waikato Times Last updated 13:00 08/06/2009

Waikato's National Basketball league franchise the Pistons should be kicked out of the league because of their shoddy venue, according to the owner of a rival franchise after fans were turned away and others refunded at Saturday night's game.

Nick Mills who owns the Wellington Saints franchise, which runs the NBL, said the Pistons' current home the Hamilton Leisure Centre was "totally unacceptable".

"They are one of the best teams I've seen put together in the last 10 years in this league," he said after the Saints played at the venue on Saturday night. "(The leisure centre) would be the worst gym in the second division. The Pistons deserve better."

Mr Mills said the issue was not one to be ignored.

"I've been trying to kick them out of the league, that's how serious it is."

The lack of decent indoor facilities is a hot issue as sports bosses are unhappy that a new indoor recreation centre won't be built for six years, despite strong submissions to the Hamilton City Council's long-term plan.

It is understood talks are under way to try to fast track this plan possibly using private money to get the project started until council funding is available.

Waikato Basketball chief executive John Davey said the new Claudelands Events Centre was not the answer for the Pistons either.

"The chances of the Magic and the Pistons having that free every game of the season are still not flash," he said.

"We need a home of our own. For certainty in terms of playing and training."

He said the crowd was so big on Saturday night they had to turn some families away and refund some punters who were unhappy about the fact that there was only standing room left. It was not the first time this had happened.

"Financially it's killing us," he said.

A new gym being built at Hamilton Boys' High School is due for completion in the summer and Mr Davey said the Pistons would consider using that facility. But at about 1000, the gym's capacity would not be big enough with the NBL requiring a capacity of 1500. Te Awamutu Events Centre was also not a permanent option.