REPORT: Aussie hoops' most influential people revealed

The sport of basketball grows each and every day, thanks to the increased level of play and powerful people driving the sport.

During a recent report by CODE Sports, the code’s 50 most influential individuals have been revealed.

Topping this year's list is NBL Group Executive Director Larry Kestelman, who''s guided the League through a period of unprecedented growth since taking ownership of the Hungry Jack's NBL in 2015.

“It’s not a stretch to say there’s a very real chance the NBL doesn’t exist without Kestelman’s intervention,” CODE Sports said in their reporting.

“Saved the sport and is now turning it into a juggernaut.

“NBL and WNBL owner who backs expansion, builds commercial partnerships and shapes the environment clubs operate in.

“All but a few rebels look to Kestelman at the head of the basketball table in Australia.”

>> READ CODE SPORTS' FULL TOP 50 LIST HERE

Coming in at number two is WNBL Chair and Majority Owner Robyn Denholm, who continues to do incredible things for the sport.

“Rarely heard publicly, preferring to operate behind the scenes but, with dual interests in women’s and men’s basketball and a powerful alliance with the one of the world’s richest men in Elon Musk, when Denholm speaks, people stand to attention,” CODE Sports added.

At number three is Lighthouse Sports Management president and player agent Daniel Moldovan, who manages NBA stars Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels.

Rounding out the top five are Chicago Bulls star Giddey and NBL Group CEO David Stevenson, with the latter being a key reason the NBL and WNBL are in the strong position they are today.

The next five on CODE Sports’ list are Kylie Watson-Wheeler (Disney Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, ESPN Asia-Pacific Head), Patrick Bour (ESPN’s Executive director/Sports Content and Acquisitions for APAC), Matt Stanton (CEO Nine Entertainment), Matt Scriven (Basketball Australia Chief Executive) and Andrew Gaze (Australian basketball royalty).

WNBL Chief Strategy and Basketball Partnerships Officer, Lauren Jackson, and WNBL Majority Owner and Board Member, Victoria Denholm, both also feature in CODE Sports’ Top 50.

Read the full story here >> Crosscourt Basketball Power List 2026: The most influential people in Australian hoops