“We’re just getting started:” Surge in WNBL as women’s basketball momentum builds

THE WNBL has experienced widespread growth across attendance, viewership, audience and partnerships as women’s basketball momentum builds across Australia.

The season marked the first delivered under the new ownership group, a consortium between the Denholm family office, NBL Group and Basketball Australia, with significant investment towards improving the quality of the broadcast, elevating marketing and storytelling, and attracting new commercial partners to generate audience growth.

Majority owner, Victoria Denholm, said they were delighted to see partners embrace the WNBL in this early stage, with sights already set for driving growth next season.

“Momentum is surging for women’s basketball across the world, and it’s certainly hit Australian shores,” she said.

“We’ve attracted brands who have never invested in sport in Australia before.

“Our partners have taken a leap of faith with us this season, and that’s a testament not only to our players and the quality of the league, but the growth trajectory we’re experiencing.”

The league welcomed more than a dozen new partners including globally recognised brands such as Google, Minor Hotels Reebok and Sephora.

There was also a consistent push for growth across attendance, broadcast, digital and social platforms, with reach, followers and fans rising.

WNBL CEO, Jennie Sager, said the success of the history making season is a testament to the energy of fans across the community.

“Whether they were sitting courtside, or watching at home, WNBL fans turned up in record numbers this year,” Sager said.

“The energy the fans brought on and off the court was unlike ever before and we all felt it. The athletes, clubs, and league thrived with higher levels of fan engagement, and we can’t wait to see the community get behind us even more next season.

“We are nothing without our fans, and we will continue pressing forward to deliver a bigger and better experience for them every single time.”

“We saw their energy come to life with Chinese star, Han Xu, driving attendance for all clubs. When Xu played, Perth saw a 37 percent increase in attendance with a 60 per cent surge in membership sales.

“Next season, we will be focused on how our fans can continue to connect with our players and learn the names and faces of our emerging stars as well.”

With the Tasmanian Jewels joining the WNBL for the 26/27 season, the opportunity for growth is at an all-time high as the WNBL expands into a new market and activates a new fanbase.

The league is now focused on preparations to continue this growth trajectory attracting new audiences, fans and partners for the upcoming season.

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