The AIS Arena is a step closer to becoming a specialist "Volleydome" after Australian Sports Commission heavyweights met in Sydney on Thursday.
But officials will delay their decision on the future of Canberra's biggest indoor entertainment venue for up to two months as they wait for the final plan for reinvigorating the AIS.
It is understood the "Volleydome" concept of transforming the AIS Arena into a high-performance volleyball centre is the leading option for the Bruce campus after the commission board met.
The move would leave Canberra without a premier indoor venue for concerts, basketball, netball, functions and exhibitions and could force the ACT government to fast-track plans for a new stadium in Civic.
There would be a transition period where bookings are honoured, however, a final decision won't be made until early next year as officials work with Volleyball Australia and consider options.
It could also hinder any bid for Canberra to gain re-entry to the NBL, with basketball bosses reportedly keen to expand the competition in the coming years.
Basketball ACT is keen to add to their Belconnen base by building at least three more courts and a showcourt that could seat up to 3000 people.
But its size could hinder any plans to bring professional basketball back to the capital more than a decade after the Canberra Cannons went bust.
Basketball in Canberra is booming with officials being forced to find more venues to cater for demand and some are keen to lure NBL matches to Canberra.
The AIS Arena was known as "The Palace" in the Cannons' glory years in the late 1980s and early 1990s and has been home to the Canberra Capitals' WNBL championships.
The Capitals will shift their home games to the convention centre in Civic next year, playing on a removable court.
But the AIS Arena has been a crucial part in Canberra securing international basketball and netball, as well as concerts and major functions.
The sports commission board were considering a range of options to change the operations at the AIS Arena and volleyball has emerged as the front-runner.
It's understood the partnership between the AIS and Volleyball Australia would see the stadium become a permanent volleyball venue.
The AIS Arena will need major works and millions of dollars to be upgraded in the coming years to keep it at industry standard. But transforming it into a volleyball centre would allow the commission to direct funds directly to high-performance programs rather than refurbishments.
The commission has been under pressure after poor results at the Rio Olympic Games this year and aligning with volleyball would be seen as reinvesting in high-performance sport.