NBL Celebrates NAIDOC Week with “The Next Generation” in Mind

The Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League (NBL) celebrated NAIDOC Week 2025, which started last Sunday, 6 July, and ends on Sunday, 13 July.

As they mark this year’s 50th Anniversary theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” the NBL honours the rich history, vibrant cultures, and remarkable achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Emphasising the significance of NAIDOC Week and the League’s ongoing reconciliation journey, NBL CEO David Stevenson said: “NAIDOC Week is a vital time for us to celebrate the world’s oldest living cultures and acknowledge the immense contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to our sport and our nation.”

“Our Innovate RAP is not just a document; it’s a living commitment to create tangible opportunities and foster a truly inclusive environment. This NAIDOC Week, we are excited to showcase how we are actively working towards the ‘Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’ by empowering First Nations individuals and communities through basketball,” Stevenson said.

This important week is a moment for all Australians to recognise the enduring strength and contributions of First Nations communities, deeply resonating with the NBL’s vision for fostering a new generation of talent, leaders, and role models within and beyond the game.

Showcasing Talent and Cultural Connection at the IBA ALLSTAR Event

The league’s support of the recent Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA) ALL-STAR Event, held just last month on 11 June 2025 in Melbourne, stands out as a shining example of true partnership and support.

This landmark double-header at the State Basketball Centre saw the elite IBA Men’s and Women’s All-Stars face off against the formidable Poitūkohu Māori o Aotearoa teams from New Zealand.

A powerful showcase of elite First Nations talent, the event featured players with NBL, WNBL, and NBL1 experience, including stars like Kobe McDowell-White, Shaneice Swain, and the legendary Nathan Jawai in his final professional game.

Beyond the on-court action, the event was a vibrant cultural exchange, with powerful performances throughout, highlighting the deep connection between sport and First Nations identity.

The NBL’s dedication to fostering talent and creating pathways for First Nations athletes through such events is not only important to the league; it’s a meaningful contribution to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all Australians.

By actively supporting events like the IBA ALL-STAR, the NBL is directly investing in the future of Indigenous basketball and, by extension, the broader community, helping cultivate the strength of young Indigenous athletes, providing a vision for their development, and contributing to a lasting legacy of opportunity and representation within Australian sport.

Beyond the national league, clubs across the NBL1 will also be hosting their own local NAIDOC Week celebrations, working closely with their respective communities to ensure they are culturally appropriate and impactful.

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