NBL Celebrates Indigenous Culture

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has congratulated the Hungry Jack's National Basketball League (NBL) on its leadership and commitment to making a positive difference for First Nations People.

Albanese launched the NBL's Indigenous Round today at Parliament House in Canberra, alongside NBL Owner Larry Kestelman, Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger, Brisbane Bullets' Aron Baynes and Illawarra Hawks' William Hickey.

"Indigenous Round celebrates the extraordinary contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to basketball in Australia and to the sporting life of our nation, from trailblazers like Nate Jawai, icons like Patty Mills and future stars like William Hickey," Albanese said.

"Indigenous Round sends a powerful message to the next generation of young Australians dreaming of playing NBL. To the First Nations kids practicing their free throws at school, playing half court at the local park or getting excited for their first game at the local PCYC or sporting centre, there is a place for you at the highest level.

"It's great the NBL is backing up this round with the Indigenous Player Rule, the first of any code of such serious incentives and I congratulate the NBL on its leadership, encouraging clubs to recruit more First Nations talent."

Indigenous culture will be acknowledged and celebrated throughout the Hungry Jack’s NBL’s Indigenous Rounds in December.

All teams will wear special jerseys designed by Indigenous artists during Rounds 10-12, with each team’s uniform representing its connection to the land and their community.

The League’s Indigenous Player Rule, which provides financial incentives to clubs that identify and contract First Nations’ talent, continues to open up pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players to the elite level.

Two players are currently contracted under the rule: Sydney’s Biwali Bayles and the Illawarra’s William Hickey.

“The impact of our Indigenous Round grows each year as the League increases its commitment to making a tangible and significant difference for First Nations people, and everyone’s understanding and recognition of Indigenous cultures,” NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said.

“These Rounds enable us to celebrate and recognise the contribution that First Nations people have made to the NBL and to basketball and serve as a reminder to take a moment to reflect on the past and contemplate the future.

“The NBL continues to prioritise and focus, through its Reconciliation Action Plan, on ways to create new and sustainable opportunities for Indigenous players at the elite level. The plan will keep evolving and strengthening, with the NBL constantly striving to be a safe and supportive space for all First Nations people.

“All our clubs are continuing to engage with their local Indigenous communities and this is our time to highlight and showcase that work.”

Games will commence with either a Welcome to Country or an Acknowledgement of Country. Members of Indigenous communities will be invited to games along with other initiatives. An Indigenous themed Spalding basketball will be used, featuring an NBL Indigenous painting created by artist, Chern’ee Sutton. Referees will also wear Indigenous uniforms, which have been designed by Christina McPherson, a proud Barada/Kabalbara Kyou (woman).

The Illawarra Hawks will host their Indigenous game in Round 11, on Friday 16 December against the Sydney Kings.