Vasiljevic backs Lightning's "rich history?

For Adelaide 36ers star Dejan Vasiljevic, the prospect of not having a local team in the WNBL was simply unacceptable. 

Vasiljevic says “women’s basketball is needed” in Adelaide, welcoming the news the league and South Australian government have thrown their support behind the Lightning. 

“During the AFL season it’s Port and the Crows and then when it’s basketball season it is the 36ers and the Lightning, that’s how it’s supposed to be,” Vasiljevic told Code Sports. “We’re all basketball fanatics in this state.”

“Adelaide Lightning have had a rich history and they deserve a team for the younger generation too.”

The Malinauskas Labor Government have pledged significant financial and in-kind support of more than half a million dollars, teaming up with the WNBL to ensure the continued and sustainable growth of women’s basketball in South Australia.

It means the Lightning will continue to thrive in the national women’s competition. 

“It was always our preference to keep a team here and we are incredibly grateful for the support from the South Australian government which allows us to do so,” WNBL CEO Jennie Sager said last week.

Wollemi Capital Group Syndicate and the National Basketball League consortium finalised an agreement to acquire a majority interest in the League in 2024, taking control of its operations in April this year.

Read more here >> Adelaide 36ers captain Dejan Vasiljevic has thrown his support behind the Adelaide Lightning lifeline