Dandenong's potential membership bonanza is part of a deal with the Tasmanian government in which it will play five games, [the first of which was played last month] on The Apple Isle over three years.

It's a similar deal to that of the AFL Hawks who will play 25 games at Tasmania's York Park over five years.

Events Tasmania spokesman Alan Rider said the size of the Rangers' potential market was evident in that the Tassie membership of Hawthorn was 10 per cent of its overall membership.

"If the Hawthorn situation is any indication, then Dandenong has a lot to look forward to in Tasmania.

"Hawthorn's membership in Tasmania has gone from about 1300 to more than 3000. Tasmanian membership now accounts for about 10 per cent of the Hawks membership, which is just on 30,000.

"Having Dandenong playing here is a bit like Hawthorn's association with Tasmania.

"It gives Tasmania a profile in a national elite sport. It's also a psychological thing to be part of the WNBL, albeit in a limited way. Next year, the Rangers will play two games in Tasmania."

Basketball Tasmania general manager David Scott said the Rangers were in the perfect position to "tap into" one of the fastest growing basketball states in Australia.

"The participation rate in Tasmania in the 12 months to December 2006 was 14 per cent, which is a pretty healthy situation to be in when you compare it with other states.

"You wouldn't want that type of growth every year because you would run out out of stadiums, coaches and referees, but it reflects the healthy state of basketball in Tasmania, and the huge market that the Rangers could tap into."

Rangers marketing manager Lisa Lawler said the club was a planning an alliance with Hawthorn as part of a Tasmanian cross-promotion deal.