Adelaide 36ers and BHP Expand Partnership to Deliver Regional Social Value

The Adelaide 36ers have announced an extension of their partnership with BHP, a move that will broaden the club’s community outreach across South Australia’s north and far north regions.

Building on the success of initial programs in Roxby Downs and Coober Pedy, the expanded initiative will now include tailored delivery in Whyalla and Port Augusta.

Noting that the partnership’s longevity is a testament to the shared values of both organisations, Adelaide 36ers CEO Nic Barbato said that by providing merchandise, giveaways, and structured role-modelling, the initiative aims to foster a sense of belonging and aspiration among South Australian youth.

The partnership is a mechanical necessity for the club’s Shooting Hoops Foundation, providing the financial and logistical support required to connect with approximately 5,000 young people.

The program focuses on creating measurable social value by aligning the club’s basketball-centric engagement with BHP’s broader social investment priorities: wellbeing, leadership, and inclusion.

Strategic Regional Engagement

The 2026/27 rollout marks a major scale-up from previous seasons. Each regional visit will feature:

• Elite Presence: Direct involvement from 36ers players and High Performance staff, including High Performance Schools Manager Corey McLean.
• Tailored Clinics: Basketball and educational sessions designed to address specific regional needs such as physical health and leadership development.
• Foundation Integration: Utilising the Shooting Hoops Foundation’s suite of health, cultural inclusion, and development pathway programs.

BHP has been a primary partner of the 36ers since 2024, previously engaging over 500 community members through school clinics and family events.

Collaborative Commercial Ecosystem

In a strategic move to create a more cohesive community network, the 36ers will also integrate BHP’s other major partners, the Clontarf Foundation and the Shooting Stars Foundation.

This collaboration will culminate in a dedicated engagement event during the NBL 26/27 season, where regional participants will be hosted at an Adelaide 36ers home game at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

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