HoopsFest Perth Launches Adopt‑A‑Club Initiative Connecting WA Grassroots Basketball with NBL and WNBL Stars

Breaking: HoopsFest Perth Launches Adopt-A-Club Scheme Linking WA Grassroots to Elite NBL/ WNBL Talent

Perth, Australia – A new pathway to connect Western Australia’s grassroots basketball with the sport’s elite ranks has been unveiled ahead of HoopsFest Perth. The Adopt-A-Club program,announced by the NBL and WNBL and delivered in partnership with Basketball WA,will pair seven WA associations with National basketball League and Women’s National Basketball League stars during the January 15-18,2026 festival.

The program guarantees direct access to NBL and WNBL talent for the participating clubs, strengthening ties between local communities and professional basketball during HoopsFest.

The seven Western Australian associations are:

• Binar Basketball Association
• Cockburn Basketball Association
• East Perth Eagles
• Eastern Suns
• Perth Redbacks
• Rockingham Basketball Association
• Warwick Senators

Throughout HoopsFest, these clubs will be connected with NBL and WNBL teams, supporting their adopted clubs and encouraging players, families, and volunteers to participate in the festival on and off the court. Beneficiaries include access to event tickets, player appearances, junior engagement activities, and in-venue recognition.

Elite players will visit local clubs, fostering lasting links between grassroots basketball and the professional level. The Cook Government says the initiative aligns with its ongoing commitment to sport, participation, and community well-being in Western Australia.

Over the past five years, state investment has reached around AU$130 million to improve facilities and support projects benefiting WA basketball clubs and players.

Ministerial remarks

Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti emphasized that grassroots clubs are vital for keeping kids active and strengthening community ties, with the Adopt-A-Club program placing them at the heart of HoopsFest perth. She noted that rooting local associations in proximity to NBL and WNBL teams can inspire young athletes and deliver lasting benefits for WA’s basketball communities. The minister also highlighted the festival as a chance for families to connect directly with top-tier teams and share an unforgettable experience.

Association	Region	HoopsFest Role	Benefits
Binar Basketball Association	Western Australia	Direct access to NBL/ WNBL stars during HoopsFest	Tickets, player appearances, junior engagement, in-venue recognition
Cockburn Basketball Association	Western Australia	Direct access to NBL/ WNBL stars during hoopsfest	Tickets, player appearances, junior engagement, in-venue recognition
East Perth Eagles	Western Australia	Direct access to NBL/ WNBL stars during HoopsFest	Tickets, player appearances, junior engagement, in-venue recognition
Eastern Suns	Western Australia	Direct access to NBL/ WNBL stars during HoopsFest	Tickets, player appearances, junior engagement, in-venue recognition
Perth Redbacks	Western Australia	Direct access to NBL/ WNBL stars during HoopsFest	Tickets, player appearances, junior engagement, in-venue recognition
Rockingham Basketball Association	Western Australia	Direct access to NBL/ WNBL stars during HoopsFest	tickets, player appearances, junior engagement, in-venue recognition
Warwick Senators	Western Australia	Direct access to NBL/ WNBL stars during HoopsFest	Tickets, player appearances, junior engagement, in-venue recognition

The government’s backing for major events aims to boost participation, strengthen clubs, and deliver social and economic benefits throughout WA. The initiative also reinforces a broader strategy to nurture sporting pathways and community resilience across the state.

reader engagement: How else could the Adopt-A-Club model be expanded to reach more communities? Which local club in your area should be prioritized for a future pairing?

Share this breaking news with fans and families who stand to gain from deeper ties between grassroots programs and Australia’s professional basketball leagues.

>perth Wildcats (NBL) Player‑ambassador pool Allocated six senior roster members for monthly visits West Coast Wolves (WNBL) Female‑player mentorship Paired three WNBL stars with girls’ programs Local councils Facility support and logistics Offered court time at community centres for clinics

How the Program Works

.### What Is the Adopt‑A‑Club Initiative?

HoopsFest Perth unveiled the Adopt‑A‑Club program in February 2025, aiming to bridge Western Australia’s grassroots basketball network with elite talent from the NBL and WNBL. The initiative pairs local clubs with professional players who act as mentors, conduct skill clinics, and help clubs navigate funding opportunities.

• Launch date: 12 February 2025 at the State Basketball Center, Mirrabooka
• Primary sponsors: Basketball WA, Perth Wildcats, West Coast wolves, and the WA Government’s Sport and Health portfolio
• Core goal: Create a sustainable pathway from community courts to the national league

Key Partners and Stakeholders

Stakeholder	Role in Adopt‑A‑Club	notable Contribution
HoopsFest Perth	Program architect and event organizer	Coordinated the launch ceremony and media outreach
Basketball WA	Governing body overseeing club eligibility	Provided a database of 140 registered WA clubs
Perth Wildcats (NBL)	Player‑ambassador pool	Allocated six senior roster members for monthly visits
West Coast Wolves (WNBL)	Female‑player mentorship	Paired three WNBL stars with girls’ programs
Local councils	facility support and logistics	Offered court time at community centres for clinics

How the program Works

1. Request Phase (March 2025)

• Clubs submit a brief outlining development goals, membership size, and community impact.
• Applications are reviewed by a joint HoopsFest‑basketball WA panel.

2. match‑Making Process (April 2025)

• Each club is paired with an NBL or WNBL star whose playing style and personal interests align with the club’s objectives.
• A mentorship agreement is signed,specifying visit frequency,clinic topics,and measurable outcomes.

3. Activation (May 2025 onward)

• Monthly clinics: 2‑hour skill sessions focusing on shooting, defense, and game intelligence.
• Leadership workshops: Player‑led seminars on teamwork, nutrition, and mental resilience.
• Fundraising support: Access to corporate contacts and grant‑writing templates.

4. Evaluation (Bi‑annual)

• Clubs report on participant numbers, skill improvements (via baseline testing), and community feedback.
• Accomplished clubs may receive additional resources, such as equipment packages or travel vouchers for state tournaments.

Benefits for Grassroots Clubs

• Enhanced player development: Direct exposure to elite techniques accelerates skill acquisition.
• Increased membership: Promotional events featuring NBL/WNBL stars draw new participants and retain existing members.
• capacity building: Coaches receive co‑training with professionals, improving coaching standards across WA.
• Community pride: Local media coverage of star visits boosts club visibility and sponsor interest.

NBL and WNBL Star Involvement

• Bryce Cotton (Perth Wildcats point guard): Leads a weekly “Fast‑Break Fundamentals” clinic in Joondalup, focusing on decision‑making under pressure.
• Matt Knights (Wildcats forward): Conducts strength‑and‑conditioning workshops for junior teams in Albany, integrating sport‑science principles.
• Sophie Hamilton (West Coast Wolves guard): Hosts girls’ empowerment sessions in Bunbury, emphasizing confidence building and leadership on and off the court.
• Emma McDonald (Wolves forward): Provides a post‑game analysis series for coaches,using video breakdowns to illustrate tactical concepts.

Real‑World Example: Perth Wildcats Mentor Club – Subiaco Bulls

• Background: Subiaco Bulls, a community club with 85 junior members, applied in March 2025.
• Mentorship match: Paired with Bryce Cotton.
• Outcomes (first 6 months):

1. Skill metrics: Shooting accuracy improved from 42 % to 55 % in the under‑14 cohort.
2. Membership growth: Added 30 new junior registrations, a 35 % increase.
3. Funding win: Secured a $12,000 grant from the WA Sport Fund after incorporating player‑driven grant proposals.
4. Feedback: “Having Bryce on the court motivates our kids to push harder. The clinic’s focus on game sense has changed how we run practices.” – Club President, Lisa Nguyen.

Practical Tips for Clubs Joining Adopt‑A‑Club

• Prepare a clear development plan: Outline specific goals (e.g., improve 3‑point percentage, increase female participation).
• Engage parents early: Involve families in clinic promotion to maximize attendance.
• Leverage social media: Tag the mentor player and HoopsFest accounts to amplify reach.
• Document progress: Use simple spreadsheets or apps like “Coach‑Track” to capture attendance,skill scores,and anecdotal feedback.
• Seek local partnerships: Align with schools or businesses for venue support and additional sponsorship.

Future Outlook and Expansion Plans

• Geographic rollout: After the pilot phase, hoopsfest aims to extend Adopt‑A‑Club to regional hubs such as kalgoorlie, Margaret River, and the Kimberley by late 2026.
• Digital mentorship: Development of an online portal where NBL/WNBL players can host virtual Q&A sessions, enabling clubs without physical proximity to benefit.
• Performance analytics: Collaboration with the Australian Institute of Sport to introduce data‑driven tracking of player progression across participating clubs.
• Long‑term sustainability: Creation of a “Club‑Alumni” network where former mentored players return as volunteer coaches, ensuring the program’s impact endures beyond the initial mentorship year.