WNBL and NBL announce Optus as new major partner

The WNBL and NBL announced on Friday a new major partnership with Optus, marking a significant collaboration focused on connecting fans to the moments that matter and supporting the continued growth of basketball across Australia.

The multi-year deal spans both the National Basketball League (NBL) and Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), aligning two organisations committed to innovation, community connection and the future of Australian sport.

With more than one million Australians playing annually, basketball is one of the country’s fastest-growing and most culturally influential sports, with millions more engaging as fans across metropolitan, regional and grassroots communities. 

At the centre of that momentum, the NBL and WNBL continue to experience strong audience growth, expanding cultural relevance and increasing engagement across broadcast, digital and live experiences.

The partnership with Optus reflects a shared ambition to deepen fan connection to the game while helping drive the next phase of growth for both leagues, including the continued rise of women’s basketball in Australia.

NBL Group CEO Dave Stevenson said the partnership represented an exciting alignment between three brands focused on the future.

“Basketball in Australia is experiencing incredible momentum, and this partnership with Optus comes at an exciting time for both the NBL and WNBL,” Mr Stevenson said.

“We are building leagues that are deeply connected to fans and communities, while continuing to expand the reach and impact of basketball across the country.

“I would also like to personally thank Stephen and the broader Optus team for their belief in the future of Australian basketball and for the collaborative approach they have taken throughout this process.

“Optus shares our ambition to create meaningful moments for fans and support the long-term evolution of the game at every level. We are excited about what we can achieve together over the coming years.”

WNBL Chief Strategy and Basketball Partnerships Officer Lauren Jackson said the partnership would play an important role in supporting the continued progression and visibility of women’s basketball.

“The WNBL is entering a transformative period, and partnerships like this are the heartbeat that help us continue to grow the profile, reach and impact of the league,” Ms Jackson said.

“There is enormous momentum behind women’s sport and women’s basketball in Australia, and having Optus come on that journey with us is incredibly exciting.

“We’re looking forward to working together to create stronger connections with fans and continue elevating the women’s game nationally.”

Optus CEO Stephen Rue said the partnership reflects a shared focus on creating meaningful connections through sport.

“Basketball has become one of the most exciting and culturally relevant sports in Australia, with incredible momentum at both a community and professional level,” Mr Rue said.

“This partnership with the NBL and WNBL is about connecting fans to the moments that matter, supporting the communities where the game is played, and helping Australian basketball continue to grow - on and off the court.”

The partnership comes as the NBL and WNBL focus on relevance and visibility in Australian sport, with increasing engagement from fans across the country.

“The NBL and WNBL represent what the future of Australian sport looks like – inclusive, fast-growing, community-driven and deeply connected to its fans,” Mr Rue said.

“When you invest in the fundamentals – fans, community and the quality of the game – momentum follows. We’re proud to be a part of what comes next for Australian basketball."