Basketball SA’s Female Participation Strategy has delivered funding support towards new playing uniforms for the Adelaide Thunder Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball League (WNWBL) team, helping ensure South Australia’s elite female wheelchair basketball athletes are seen, recognised and properly equipped to compete at the highest level.
The contribution, which provided funding support towards athlete uniforms, represents more than a practical investment. It is a visible outcome of Basketball SA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening opportunities for women and girls across all areas of the game, including wheelchair basketball.
For the Adelaide Thunder athletes, the new uniforms mark a significant step forward.
In previous seasons, financial constraints meant female athletes were required to wear second hand men’s uniforms. Through support provided via Basketball SA’s Female Participation Strategy, the team now has access to uniforms designed for each female athlete, providing a professional fit that reflects both the standards of the league and the importance of representation in sport.
Basketball SA CEO Ben MacCormack said the initiative demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to ensuring women and girls are not only participating in basketball but are visible and supported throughout their journey.
“Female participation is not just about getting more women and girls into the game; it’s about ensuring they are seen, supported and properly resourced at every level of the pathway. These athletes represent South Australia on the national stage and deserve the same level of care, visibility and support as any other elite program.” MacCormack said.
The investment builds on a growing partnership between Basketball SA and the South Australian Wheelchair Basketball Association, which over the past two years has focused on strengthening participation, development and performance pathways for wheelchair basketball athletes across the state.
A representative from the Adelaide Thunder said the support reflects the progress being made across the wheelchair basketball landscape in South Australia.
“Over the past two years, Basketball SA and SAWBA have worked closely together to strengthen wheelchair basketball pathways, from local competition through to state and national representation,” the representative said.
This support for our Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball League team is another important step forward.
In previous seasons, our female athletes were required to wear men’s uniforms because dedicated women’s kits were simply not financially possible. Having uniforms that are designed and fitted specifically for our athletes is about much more than appearance.
It reflects respect, visibility and investment in women competing at the highest level of wheelchair basketball in South Australia.
When athletes feel seen and valued, it strengthens their sense of belonging and pride in representing the Adelaide Thunder.”
The Female Participation Strategy continues to guide Basketball SA in initiatives that improve representation, retention and the lived experience of women and girls across all formats of basketball.
As the Adelaide Thunder continue their 2026 Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball League campaign, the new uniforms will serve as a visible symbol of the progress being made for women in para-sport and the power of collaboration in creating stronger pathways for future generations.
Basketball fans are encouraged to follow and support the Adelaide Thunder throughout the remainder of the Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball League season as South Australia’s elite wheelchair athletes continue to showcase their talent, resilience and pride on the national stage.
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For media enquiries, please contact:
Cindy Halkias
Brand & Communications Manager
Basketball SA
chalkias@basketballsa.com.au
About Basketball SA
Basketball South Australia (Basketball SA) is the peak body responsible for the governance, growth, and strategic direction of basketball across South Australia.
We exist to lead, support, and connect our basketball community, from grassroots to elite, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and thriving environment for all participants. Our role spans across governance, competitions, officiating, coaching, high-performance pathways, education, inclusive pathways, infrastructure advocacy, and community engagement. Basketball SA works collaboratively with associations, clubs, government, schools, and industry partners to deliver programs and services that enable basketball to be accessible and impactful in every corner of our state.
We are committed to driving positive change and upholding the integrity of the sport, guided by our core values: Respect, Accountability, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Excellence.