Basketball NSW Appoints Former Sport NSW Head Stuart Hodge as New Chief Executive Officer

Basketball NSW has officially appointed Stuart Hodge as its new CEO following a comprehensive national search process.

Bringing extensive administrative, commercial, and governmental expertise in the sports sector, Mr Hodge will assume the leadership role in October 2026, succeeding interim chief executive officer David Simpson, who has guided the organisation through a transitional period since January 2026.

Mr Hodge arrives at Basketball NSW after spending the past three and a half years as CEO of Sport NSW, the peak representative body for state sporting organisations across New South Wales.

Prior to that tenure, he served for five years as CEO of Football NSW, where he successfully directed major commercial restructuring, facility development, and competition reform across one of the country’s largest sporting bodies.

Highligting that the Board’s appointment followed a rigorous and independent assessment, Basketball NSW chair, Lisa Yen, said: “Stuart brings commercial acumen, deep understanding of the NSW sporting and government landscape and a genuine connection to our sport.”

“He’s exactly the leader Basketball NSW needs as we pursue opportunities and tackle the big challenges ahead, particularly facilities, where demand for our sport continues to far outstrip access across the state,” Yen said. 

Reflecting on his upcoming appointment, Mr Hodge emphasised the urgent need to address participation demand at the community level.

“Basketball is one of the fastest-growing sports in New South Wales, and I’ve seen first-hand,  as a parent, a coach and a volunteer,  just how much demand there is at grassroots level.” 

“I’m excited to bring my experience to Basketball NSW, and to work with the Board, staff and basketball community to build on the strong foundations already in place,” Hodge shared.

With participation rates surging across the state, Mr Hodge’s leadership will focus heavily on expanding infrastructure, strengthening commercial partnerships, and supporting grassroots growth as the organisation enters its next strategic phase.

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