The National Basketball League (NBL) and Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) have signed Optus as a major partner in a three-year deal, marking the telco’s first significant investment in Australian basketball.
The partnership spans both leagues and centres on fan engagement, community connection, and growth of the sport at professional and grassroots levels.
More than one million Australians play basketball annually, making it one of the country’s fastest-growing sports.
NBL chief executive officer Dave Stevenson said the timing reflected the sport’s current trajectory.
“Basketball in Australia is experiencing incredible momentum, and this partnership with Optus comes at an exciting time for both the NBL and WNBL,” Stevenson said.
“We are building leagues that are deeply connected to fans and communities, while continuing to expand the reach and impact of basketball across the country.”
Women’s game a key focus
WNBL chief strategy and basketball partnerships officer Lauren Jackson said the deal would support the league’s continued growth.
“The WNBL is entering a transformative period, and partnerships like this are the heartbeat that help us continue to grow the profile, reach and impact of the league,” Jackson said.
“There is enormous momentum behind women’s sport and women’s basketball in Australia, and having a partner like Optus supporting that journey is incredibly exciting.”
Optus chief executive officer Stephen Rue framed the investment in terms of community and connection.
“Basketball has become one of the most exciting and culturally relevant sports in Australia, with incredible momentum at both a community and professional level,” Rue said.
“This partnership with the NBL and WNBL is about connecting fans to the moments that matter, supporting the communities where the game is played, and helping Australian basketball continue to grow – on and off the court.”
Rue added that the leagues represented a model for where Australian sport is heading.
“The NBL and WNBL represent what the future of Australian sport looks like – inclusive, fast-growing, community-driven and deeply connected to its fans,” he said.
Main image: L-R: Lauren Jackson, Lauren Nicholson, Robyn Denholm, David Stevenson, Stephen Rue, Victoria Denholm, Luke Paul.