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Tasmania Set to Join Australian Women’s Basketball League,WNBL Expansion Continues
Hobart, Australia – The Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) is poised for meaningful growth wiht the addition of a ninth team based in Tasmania for the 2026-27 season. The expansion license has been awarded to the tasmania JackJumpers, mirroring the success of their already established men’s National Basketball League (NBL) counterpart.
A Winning Formula: JackJumpers’ Success Drives Expansion
The Tasmania JackJumpers,who debuted in the NBL during the 2021-22 season,have rapidly become a force in Australian basketball. Their recent championship victory in 2024 and consistently sold-out home games demonstrate a strong appetite for basketball in the region.This momentum has paved the way for the WNBL’s return to Tasmania after a 28-year absence.
While operating under the JackJumpers umbrella, the women’s team will forge its own identity, featuring a unique name and branding. The team will share training facilities in Hobart with the men’s squad and intends to host a significant portion of its home games in the northern part of the state, broadening accessibility for fans.
Investment and Growth in Women’s Basketball
Health insurance company St Lukes has been confirmed as the founding principal partner of the Tasmanian WNBL team, signaling strong commercial backing. This investment is part of a wider trend of increased support for women’s basketball in Australia, which has seen substantial gains in recent years.
The WNBL’s decision to return to Tasmania marks the first time the league has included a Tasmanian-based team since the Hobart Islanders concluded their ten-year run in 1996. Recent data from Statista indicates a 15% increase in female basketball participation in Australia over the last five years, further bolstering the case for expansion.
Search for a Tenth Club underway
Building on this momentum, the WNBL has officially opened expressions of interest for a tenth club. The league is especially keen to attract a team from either Brisbane or the Gold Coast, aligning with the city’s readiness to host the 2032 Olympic Games.
Jennie Sager, the WNBL CEO, expressed her excitement, saying, “With the new energy, investment, and passion in the WNBL, it is indeed the right time for Tasmania to return to the league.For the first time as 1996, Tasmanian WNBL fans can watch a game in their home state.”
Christine finnegan, CEO of the Tasmanian JackJumpers, added, “We are thrilled to have secured the first expansion license and to now begin to build a successful and sustainable women’s program, building on the strong foundations that have already been established and expand our footprint and impact on the state.”
WNBL Expansion: Key Facts
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Tasmania Expansion License Awarded | August 2025 |
| WNBL Last Featured Tasmanian Team (hobart Islanders) | 1996 |
| Search for 10th Club Launched | August 2025 |
| Brisbane/Gold Coast Targeted for 10th license | 2026-2032 |
The Growing Landscape of Women’s Sports
The WNBL’s expansion is part of a broader trend of increasing investment in women’s sports globally. Deloitte’s 2024 Sports Industry Outlook highlights a projected 30% increase in revenue for women’s sports over the next three years. This growth is driven by increased viewership, sponsorship deals, and media coverage.
Did You Know? The Australian Sports Commission has committed $20 million to boost participation and performance in women’s basketball over the next five years.
Frequently asked Questions
- What is the WNBL? The WNBL is the premier women’s basketball league in Australia, featuring eight teams competing for the championship each season.
- When will the Tasmanian team begin playing in the WNBL? The team is scheduled to join the league for the 2026-27 season.
- Will the Tasmanian team share facilities with the JackJumpers men’s team? Yes, both teams will operate from shared facilities in Hobart.
- What are the WNBL’s ambitions for expansion? The league aims to reach ten teams, with a strong focus on attracting a club in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast.
- What impact will the expansion have on the WNBL? The expansion is expected to increase competition, attract new fans, and boost the overall profile of women’s basketball in Australia.
- How has the WNBL invested in its players? A new Collective Bargaining Agreement has more than doubled the minimum wage and created pay parity with the NBL.
- Who owns the WNBL now? A consortium composed of the NBL and the Wollemi Capital Group (WCG) investment firm now owns 78% of the league.
What impact do you think the addition of the Tasmanian team will have on the WNBL’s viewership? And how will the league leverage the 2032 Brisbane Olympics to further promote women’s basketball?
Share yoru thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation!
What impact is the Tasmania JackJumpers’ inclusion expected to have on basketball participation rates within Tasmania?
WNBL Expands with New Tasmania Team, Plans for 10th club Introduction
tasmania JackJumpers Join the WNBL Ranks
The women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) is experiencing critically important growth, recently announcing the inclusion of a new team based in Tasmania. This expansion marks a pivotal moment for Australian women’s basketball, bringing the league closer to its goal of establishing a tenth club and broadening its national footprint. The new team, yet to be officially named but widely referred to as the Tasmania JackJumpers (following the NBL team’s branding), is slated to begin competition in the 2025/26 WNBL season. This move capitalizes on the growing basketball enthusiasm in Tasmania, fueled by the success of their NBL counterpart.
Key Benefits of Tasmania’s Inclusion: Increased national exposure for the WNBL, a new market for sponsorship opportunities, and a boost to basketball participation rates in Tasmania.
Timeline: Team establishment and player recruitment are underway, with the inaugural season scheduled for 2025/26.
The Drive for a 10th WNBL Club: Strategic Expansion
The addition of the Tasmanian team isn’t a standalone event; it’s part of a larger strategic plan to introduce a tenth WNBL club. League officials have been actively exploring potential locations and investment groups for several months. The goal is to create a more balanced and competitive league structure, enhancing the overall quality of women’s basketball in Australia.
Potential Locations Under Consideration
While Tasmania was the first prosperous expansion bid, several other regions are being evaluated for the tenth franchise. These include:
- South east Melbourne: A strong basketball community with existing infrastructure.
- Western Sydney: A large and diverse population base with untapped potential.
- Perth (Expansion of existing team): Exploring options to support a second team in Western Australia.
The WNBL is prioritizing locations with demonstrated community support, viable venues, and committed ownership groups. Factors like existing basketball programs, junior development pathways, and corporate sponsorship interest are also heavily weighted in the decision-making process. This expansion strategy mirrors successful models seen in other professional sports leagues,like the AFL and NRL.
Impact on the WNBL Landscape: Competition & Player Development
The expansion to nine, and ultimately ten teams, will have a ripple effect throughout the WNBL. Increased competition is expected to drive up the standard of play, attracting more talented athletes and enhancing the league’s profile.
Increased Player Opportunities: More roster spots will become available, providing opportunities for emerging Australian talent and attracting international players.
Enhanced Competition: A larger league will lead to more competitive matchups and a more exciting season for fans.
Development Pathways: The expansion will necessitate investment in player development programs, strengthening the pipeline of future WNBL stars.
Financial Implications & Sponsorship Opportunities
The WNBL expansion represents a significant financial investment, but also unlocks ample revenue potential. New teams bring new sponsorship opportunities, media rights deals, and merchandise sales.
Sponsorship Packages & Investment
Potential sponsors are being offered a range of packages, including:
Naming rights Sponsorship: The most lucrative option, offering prominent brand visibility.
jersey Sponsorship: A highly visible placement on team jerseys.
Community Partnerships: opportunities to engage with local communities and support grassroots basketball initiatives.
The league is actively seeking partners who share its commitment to promoting women’s sport and empowering female athletes. The growing popularity of women’s basketball globally is making WNBL sponsorships increasingly attractive to brands.
Fan Engagement & Community Outreach
The WNBL recognizes the importance of building a strong fan base and fostering community engagement. The new Tasmanian team, and future expansion clubs, will prioritize initiatives to connect with local communities.
School Programs: Basketball clinics and workshops for school children.
Community Events: Player appearances and fan meet-and-greets.
Digital Engagement: Active social media presence and online content creation.
Affordable Ticketing: Making games accessible to families and fans of all ages.
Recent WNBL Developments & Key Players
The WNBL has seen a surge in popularity in recent years,driven by the success of Australian players in international leagues like the WNBA. Players like Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm) and Cayla George (Melbourne Boomers) are becoming household names, inspiring a new generation of basketball fans. The league is also benefiting from increased media coverage and streaming options, making it easier for fans to follow the action.The recent success of the Opals at the Olympics has further fueled interest in women’s basketball in Australia.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the WNBL
The WNBL’s expansion plans signal a bright future for Australian women’s basketball. With a growing league, increased investment, and a passionate fan base, the WNBL is poised to become a major force in the global basketball landscape. The introduction of the tenth club will solidify the league’s position as
