BASKETBALL NSW AND ILLAWARRA HAWKS JOIN FORCES TO BOOST BASKETBALL IN SOUTHERN NSW

Basketball NSW (BNSW) and the Illawarra Hawks NBL Club have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen their partnership and promote basketball growth in the Southern Region of New South Wales over the next 12 months. This partnership will enable both organisations to work collaboratively to enhance basketball participation, improve infrastructure, support country associations, and foster a strong fan base for the Illawarra Hawks.

Through this partnership, Basketball NSW and the Illawarra Hawks will focus on expanding basketball engagement in communities across South, Southwest, and Southeastern Sydney and Country areas, offering a wide range of programs to encourage diverse groups’ participation. Programs will target priority groups such as women and girls, First Nations communities, culturally and linguistically diverse people, individuals with physical and intellectual impairments, Masters athletes, and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Supporting this aspiration, Basketball NSW and the Hawks will collaborate on the development and promotion of proposals to deliver much-needed new and improved basketball infrastructure for the region.

This collaboration will also create unique opportunities to integrate Basketball NSW’s participant programs into the Hawks’ home game schedule. Basketball NSW will run a variety of programs—such as junior clinics and inclusivity-focused sessions—at Hawks games, offering an immersive experience that engages fans and showcases the pathways available to players across the region. By involving the Hawks in these programs, the partnership aims to strengthen the connection between professional and community basketball, uniting fans and players at all levels and helping to grow the membership base of the foundation NBL club.

Basketball NSW, CEO, Maria Nordstrom expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership and its potential to strengthen basketball infrastructure and community engagement in Southern NSW.

“Our collaboration with the Illawarra Hawks is about more than growing numbers; it’s about creating immersive basketball experiences that inspire and engage our community,” said Nordstrom.

“Through this partnership, we’re not only aiming to increase participation but also to develop sustainable infrastructure that benefits local associations and provides more accessible opportunities for players of all backgrounds. By working closely with the Hawks, we can create a connected basketball community that supports development from grassroots to elite levels.

We’re thrilled to work together to bring basketball to new heights in the Southern Region.”

This partnership also opens the door to further opportunities for the Hawks to participate in Basketball NSW events and strengthen ties with local associations south of Sydney. This mutual promotion will help bolster fan engagement on both sides, creating an interconnected basketball community that celebrates the sport at all levels.

Illawarra Hawks, CEO, Stu Taggart shared his excitement for the partnership and the impact it will have on basketball in the region.

“Partnering with Basketball NSW is a tremendous opportunity to connect more deeply with the grassroots community, which is at the heart of basketball’s future in our state,” said Taggart.

“It’s all about providing an even more compelling value proposition for the Illawarra basketball community,” he added.

“That can include bringing the Hawks more often and in more ways into the community basketball and pathway environments. And importantly, supporting this with new courts that can meet the huge and growing local community interest in the sport, while keeping the Hawks competitive, is a real cornerstone of our shared ambition.”

“By working together, we’ll be able to inspire the next generation of players and fans, bridging the gap between community and professional basketball. We’re particularly excited about the First Nations Challenge as a meaningful kickoff to this partnership, celebrating the rich culture and talent within our communities. This agreement not only helps us grow the game but also allows us to welcome more supporters and families to Hawks games, creating lifelong connections to basketball."

Driven by a shared commitment to building a vibrant and inclusive basketball culture, Basketball NSW and the Illawarra Hawks are eager to advance this MOU. Together, they aim to deepen community engagement, inspire the next generation, and create meaningful opportunities for fans and players alike, fostering an environment where basketball is accessible, supportive, and impactful for everyone involved in the sport.