WNBL and Beyond Blue launch Know Your Starting 5 Mental Health Round

The Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), in partnership with Beyond Blue, will shine a nation wide spotlight on the power of connection with the launch of “Mental Health Takes a Team – Know Your Starting 5” Mental Health Round, to be held during Round 10 of the WNBL 2025/26 season (19 to 23 December).

More than a themed round, the initiative invites the entire basketball community, players, fans, families and supporters, to reflect on the five people they can lean on when life gets tough, and who they might need to show up for in return.

Your “Starting 5” might be a parent, partner, coach, teammate, friend or GP, the people who know when to check in, listen, and stand beside you when it matters most.

The initiative has been shaped directly by player voices, after a recent survey revealed 70 per cent of WNBL athletes identified mental health as the issue they wanted to lean in on the most for an additional themed round this season.

WNBL CEO Jennie Sager said the concept felt like a natural fit for the league, its values and players.

“Basketball is the ultimate team sport, nobody can succeed alone, and mental health is no different. You have to rely on others to make sure your mental health is in a good place,” Sager said.

“Partnering with Beyond Blue gives us a trusted and impactful way to turn our players passion and connection to an important issue into action. ‘Know Your Starting 5’ captures that passion beautifully.

“It reminds us that support networks look different for everyone, but what truly matters is knowing who your people are and being willing to be there for others.”

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Throughout Mental Health Round, WNBL players will serve as Ambassadors, sharing their own ‘Starting 5’ stories across league and club digital channels to normalise conversations around mental health, vulnerability and connection.

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman AO added, “So much mental health support takes place outside of hospitals and clinics. It happens in our homes, sporting clubs, workplaces, schools, social groups, and in our everyday community connections,” Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman AO said.

“It’s in our communities where we develop the bonds and networks that help us all navigate hard times.”

Mental Health Round will be played across seven games from 19 to 23 December in host cities Bendigo, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Townsville and Perth, giving communities nationwide the opportunity to be part of the campaign and show support.

The WNBL is also asking all fans to show up together and is helping to make it even easier to have a day out with someone in your network.

Support when you need it

Beyond Blue’s free 24/7 Support Service can be reached on 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au/getsupport or visit Beyond Blue’s Forums.