NBL and Champion celebrate pride

The Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League (NBL) and Champion united to celebrate the return of Champion Pride Round with an Australian-first ‘PRIDE’ display made entirely from 1,300 basketballs, donated by Spalding.

The 1,300 basketballs transformed into Australia's largest statement of support for Pride in play, as the NBL remains committed to being a safe, healthy, and accessible environment for all.

“The Hungry Jack’s NBL prides itself on celebrating inclusion, diversity and the LGBTQ community, and we are delighted to join forces with Champion to bring this impactful, important, meaningful, and exciting initiative to life,” NBL CEO, David Stevenson (he/him), said.

“The strong celebration and visual support of Pride emphasises our commitment to making the NBL a safe, healthy, and accessible environment for all.

“Everyone is welcome at the NBL, and we will always look for ways to ensure our League is a space where everyone feels comfortable, without fear of judgement or discrimination.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with like-minded, value-driven organisations that advocate and support Pride in play across the Australian sporting industry,” Sarah Flynn (she/her), General Manager of Champion Australia and New Zealand, said.

“As a global brand born from sport, Champion is on a mission to make sport an inclusive and accessible place for everyone to participate and enjoy.

“We look forward to celebrating the upcoming 2024 NBL Champion Pride Round with this activation and continuing to be loud and proud allies to the LGBTIQA+ community on and off the court.”

A recent survey from Pride in Sport stated the impact of inclusion initiatives cannot be underestimated with 68.2% of respondents reporting their experience in sport has been positively impacted by having active and visible allies.

"NBL's Champion Pride Round is an incredible opportunity for basketball in Australia to help unite communities, inspire individuals, and foster a sense of belonging,” Beau Newell (he/they), National Program Manager at Pride in Sport, said.

“LGBTQ inclusion in sport not only enriches the overall experience for everyone involved, but also strengthens our communities and the broader sense of togetherness and acceptance across the country.

“Holding the NBL Champion Pride Round is a powerful message to Australia that everyone is welcome in sport, fans and athletes alike, no matter who they are.”

“Visible and meaningful demonstrations of LGBTIQA+ allyship have the power to change lives for the better,” Stella Lesic (they/them), President of Queer Sporting Alliance, said.

“Queer Sporting Alliance is excited to witness the second year of the NBL Champion Pride Round. We are grateful for the continued support of Champion and the NBL.”

Champion Pride Round will take place in January during Round 16.