WNBL eyes bold innovations for Tip Off

Two months into the job, Chief Operations Officer of the WNBL Justin Nelson has hit the ground running, channelling his hunger for innovation set to be felt ahead of the WNBL 26/27 season.

Nelson arrived at the WNBL off the back of lifting the New Zealand men’s and women's competitions, with innovations like Rapid League and Player Only Timeouts successfully implemented across the league.

Inspired by the impact of these innovations, there is already talk of the WNBL considering several changes, and the Townsville Tip Off is likely to provide a first glimpse at some potential future innovations.

This comes after the WNBL announced a bolstered finals series featuring an Eliminator Final, meaning a fifth team will progress to the playoffs.

For the WNBL pre-season, as many as six trials are being considered for the Townsville Tip Off, including a current NBA trial.

Speaking on the Shooting The Breeze podcast with Paul Camillos, Nelson said the WNBL is in the perfect position to try new things to attract new audiences through an enhanced, entertaining product.

"My favourite saying is, innovation asks us to believe in something we can't see and you either have fear, or you have faith, you choose," Nelson said, adding "I live in the faith camp ... and if you stop trying to innovate, you end up doing the same things, the same way, and getting the same results.

"There is nothing holding us back, we just need to make sure we are prepared to be bold and courageous, and to embrace change and innovation, without disrespecting the last 45 years, but with our firm focus on the next 45 years."

Click here to secure your tickets for Townsville Tipoff, taking place from September 17-20.

Nelson also hinted at a continued focus across the Asian and South-East Asian region, pointing to the popularity, increased attendances and strong viewership already experienced from Chinese players in the WNBL.

"We will likely see as many as four players from China in the WNBL this season. In the future, I'd like to see a player from Asia in every team. It's good for business and for the competition's growth.

"It is important we are looking at every opportunity to drive strong business outcomes, to help our clubs to be profitable so they can put more money back into the player ecosystem and support our Australian talent and their careers."

Nelson shared that up to six new innovations would be trialled at the Townsville Tip Off, taking place in North QLD from the 17th to 20th of September, with an aim for at least three to make the final cut.

One of the innovations under consideration is currently being trialled by the NBA at its Summer League events. Another is from a FIBA trial out of Spain and one trial is inspired by similar innovations in New Zealand.

Nelson hopes the clubs, coaches and players take the trials in their stride and says they will all play a big role in analysing each trial, but it's the fans he is most keen to hear from.

"We want to make sure we take the fans on the journey with any innovations because they are critical to the success of the WNBL," Nelson said.

"With anything we try, we will be seeking feedback from the fans, they are central to everything we do."

The WNBL is set to release further details on the innovations after consultation has concluded.

For further enquiries, please contact Media@wnbl.com.au.