NBL Celebrates NAIDOC Week with "The Next Generation" in Mind

The Hungry Jack's National Basketball League (NBL) is proud to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025, running from Sunday, July 6th to Sunday, July 13th. As we 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. 

This pivotal 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.

The NBL's commitment to reconciliation is not just in words; it's evident in our actions. The league's support of the recent Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA) ALLSTAR Event, held just last month on June 11th, 2025, right here 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. It was a powerful showcase of elite First Nations talent, featuring 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 thrilling on-court action, the event was a vibrant cultural exchange, with powerful performances woven throughout, highlighting the deep connection between sport and First Nations identity.

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The NBL's dedication to fostering talent and creating pathways for First Nations athletes through such events is important to the league, but also a meaningful contribution to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all Australians. By actively supporting events like the IBA ALLSTAR, the NBL is directly investing in the future of Indigenous basketball and, by extension, the broader community, helping to 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.

The NBL's commitment is further cemented by its recently launched Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and launched in November 2024, our Innovate RAP provides a robust framework for concrete actions that drive meaningful change. It outlines the League's dedication to creating genuine pathways and amplifying the visibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent across all facets of Australian basketball – from players and coaches to officials and administrators.

NBL CEO, David Stevenson, emphasised the significance of NAIDOC Week and the League's ongoing reconciliation journey.

"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," Stevenson said. 

"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."

As we continue to celebrate Indigenous talent, we proudly acknowledge Luke Penrith, a proud Wiradjuri, Wotjobaluk, Yuin, and Gumbaynggirr Nations man, who was commissioned for the official NBL Indigenous artwork in 2024. His artwork continues to symbolise our connection and commitment. NBL1 extend a huge congratulations and thank you to Brooke Sutton, the incredibly talented Aboriginal artist whose vision and artistry enrich our league. Brooke's powerful designs, reflecting her proud Kalkadoon heritage, bring vibrant storytelling and deep cultural significance to the NBL1 First Nations Round.

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.

The NBL encourages all fans to engage with NAIDOC Week 2025, learn more about First Nations cultures, and celebrate the incredible "Strength, Vision & Legacy" that continues to enrich Australia.

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