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NBL Executive Team

â–  Executive Chairman

Larry Kestelman

Larry Kestelman is an entrepreneur with an expanding portfolio of successful companies. He was the founder of telecommunications and utilities provider, Dodo, and as Executive Group Chairman of the LK Group has become synonymous with his vision for success across the technology, property and sporting landscape.

In 2015 he assumed ownership of the Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League and has overseen a period of unprecedented growth for the league over its 45-year history including record attendances and broadcast audiences and the entry of new clubs South East Melbourne Phoenix and the Tasmania JackJumpers.

In addition to his impressive business and sporting credentials, he is widely involved in the community and has won a variety of awards and recognitions for his achievements in supporting multiple charities and community initiatives.

â–  Chief Executive Officer

Dave Stevenson

David began his role as NBL CEO in May 2023. He comes to the League with a wealth of leadership experience have previously held positions at the AFL as General Manager of Operations, the Western Bulldogs as CEO and Nike as VP & GM of Emerging Markets.

During almost seven years at the AFL and 17 years at Nike, Stevenson held many senior executive positions in sports, commercial, operations, and retail both in Australia and Internationally across New Zealand, Asia Pacific, the USA and Global responsibilities with $5b revenue responsibility. Stevenson also has strong governance experience as the board chair of a state government health service.

During his tenure as CEO, the league has seen record growth in broadcast, attendance, digital and media metrics.

â–  Chief Operating Officer & Head of Basketball Operations

Vince Crivelli

Vince Crivelli was appointed NBL Chief Operating Officer in July 2021. In this role he has helped build and maintain healthy relationships with all clubs in the league, bringing in his expertise in developing the skills and knowledge required to run a basketball club on and off the court. Crivelli’s experience in basketball has successfully enabled him to work with the clubs to continue to grow the NBL from strength to strength.

Prior to this role, Crivelli was the Chief Executive Officer for Melbourne United. In his eight years with the club, Crivelli played an instrumental role in building the club since its inception in 2014 and helped guide the club to its inaugural NBL championship in 2018.

â–  Chief Strategic Partnerships & Investment Officer

Brad Joyner

Brad Joyner was appointed to the NBL executive in 2018 and has been instrumental in overseeing the profitable growth of the league across commercial partnerships, licensing, bettng rights and broadcast rights. Brad now holds the executive role of Chief Strategic partnerships and investments which includes the focus on broadcast, technology, finance and non-core revenue streams.

Brad holds various company board positions across the technology and retail sector, previously Brad held the post of Director of National Sales and Business Development at Telstra responsible for over $500m in group revenues.

 

 

 

â–  Chief Content & Media Officer

Heath O'Loughlin

Starting his career in media at the Seven Network, it wasn’t long before Heath had established himself within the broadcast industry and commenced a news journalist cadetship. After several years covering some of the most significant stories in Victoria, he moved into the sports department and covered every major event hosted in the state including the AFL, Australian Open Tennis, NRL and NBL.

In 2006 Heath moved to the Nine Network as the weekend sports presenter. In 2008 he was appointed Head of Media, Marketing and Communications at the North Melbourne Football Club where he spent 13 years. Heath is also an author and has written three books.

He joined the National Basketball League as Chief Media & Communications Officer at a pivotal point, and continues to propel the league by innovating with a true growth mindset.

â–  Chief Corporate & Governance Officer

Lauren Blecher

As Chief Corporate & Governance Officer, Lauren leads the legal, governance, compliance and integrity responsibilities at the League. Lauren also plays a key role in supporting new initiatives and expansion projects. Lauren is a commercial lawyer with experience in M&A investments across sports, media and wagering.

Lauren has held leadership roles in Australia and London where she worked in private equity and digital media, including advising on the launch of OTT platforms in Europe and was part of the team that acquired Leeds United FC. Lauren has also held a number of not for profit board roles.

â–  Chief Commercial Officer

Adam Richardson

Adam Richardson joins the NBL as Chief Commercial Officer after 15+ years as a senior Executive throughout the media and sports landscape particularly with the AFL, Netball Australia, Fairfax Media, and SEN.

With his role including all commercial related activities including Sponsorship, Consumer, Broadcast, and Government, his wealth of knowledge in creating and working with some of the largest brands and institutions in both Australia and globally, will be instrumental in the continued growth of the NBL.

â–  Chief Fans, Clubs & Strategy Officer

Anthony Everard

Anthony has worked in the sports and entertainment industry for over 20 years, across a variety of rights holders, event promoters, and agencies.

At Cricket Australia, Anthony led the launch and ongoing leadership of the BBL and WBBL before taking on a broader role leading all fan engagement including marketing, digital and events. Achievements included delivering the two highest attended seasons of cricket, transforming the marketing strategy, and worked collaboratively with States and clubs to drive incredible BBL growth in its formative years.

Anthony has also worked in senior marketing and commercial roles across Golf Australia, ANZ Netball Championships (now called Suncorp Super Netball), and the FINA World Swimming Championships.    Anthony is a strong advocate for putting fans first and ensuring Clubs, Leagues, and Events are at the forefront of meeting the needs of the customer.

Off the field, Anthony is married with two young boys, and is actively involved in junior community sport including as coach of his son’s U/12 basketball Club.

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