A new chapter in South Australian basketball history was written last night as the State Basketball Centre (SBC) hosted its first ever WNBL home game, welcoming the Adelaide Lightning to centre court in front of an energetic and passionate crowd.
In a moment that perfectly captured the energy and spirit of the evening, the venue was affectionately dubbed “The Spark House” — a nod to the Lightning’s electric presence and the vibrant atmosphere that filled the stands.
The matchup marked more than just a thrilling night of basketball; it was a celebration of the sport’s growth, infrastructure, and vision in South Australia.
Basketball South Australia CEO, Tim Brenton shared his sentiments, stating:
“Yesterday’s WNBL game at the State Basketball Centre marked a defining moment for our sport in South Australia. It delivered on the vision of the State Government and the Basketball SA Commission to build a facility that balances community participation, high performance, inclusivity, and the capacity to host national and international events.”
He further reflected on the calibre of talent that has already graced the courts at Wayville:
“With the Boomers, Opals and New Zealand national teams using the SBC as their training base earlier this year, this game stands as the realisation of the goals and aspirations that shaped its creation. As a sport and as a basketball community, we should all be proud of what we are achieving together.”
The State Basketball Centre, which officially opened in October 2023, has quickly become the home of South Australian basketball — a venue where grassroots athletes, elite players, and fans alike can connect through the game.
With the Lightning now calling the SBC home for their 2025 WNBL season, the venue will continue to host top-level national competition, providing young athletes with an inspiring glimpse of what’s possible within their own state.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Lightning fought hard until the very end, falling just three points short against the Perth Lynx (72–75). The narrow margin didn’t overshadow the significance of the night, as a passionate crowd filled the State Basketball Centre to celebrate a new era for the Adelaide Lightning. It was a showcase of elite women’s basketball, community spirit, and the growing momentum of our sport in South Australia.
Basketball South Australia has released a Request for Tender (RFT) seeking an independent organisation review to ensure the governance, organisational structure, competition design, and commercial model of basketball in South Australia remain contemporary, high-performing, and strategically aligned with the long-term needs of the sport.
As the peak body for basketball in South Australia, Basketball SA is responsible for the governance, growth, commercialisation, and strategic direction of the sport across the state. This review will play a vital role in strengthening our ability to lead, support, and connect the basketball community — from grassroots through to elite — ensuring a safe, inclusive, and thriving environment for all participants.
Basketball South Australia Chief Executive Officer, Tim Brenton, explained that “This independent review is an opportunity to reset and realign, in partnership with our members and stakeholders, to ensure our strategic plan advances the best outcomes for basketball in South Australia.”
The successful respondent will be tasked with providing strategic recommendations across four key areas: governance, organisational structure, competition pathways, and commercial sustainability. This process will be informed by consultation with Basketball SA’s Member Associations and other stakeholders, with the goal of driving positive change, enhancing transparency, and supporting the continued growth of basketball across South Australia.
Interested organisations can download the full RFT documentation here and tenders can be submitted to independentreview@basketballsa.com.au.
Basketball South Australia is the peak body responsible for the development and promotion of basketball in our State. Basketball SA remains committed to strong governance, community engagement, and the continued development of basketball at all levels. More information here
Media Contact for More Information:
Cindy Halkias Basketball SA via chalkias@basketballsa.com.au
To Continue to Deliver Goals for Second Largest Team Sport in the Nation
Mile End, SA – Basketball SA is delighted to announce that it has reappointed Tim Brenton as Chief Executive Officer to continue to support the sustainability and growth of a beloved sport in South Australia.
Pictured: Basketball SA CEO Tim Brenton. Photo credit: Sarah Reed
Basketball SA today confirms that it has agreed on a new employment agreement with Tim Brenton, its Chief Executive Officer, which shall commence immediately following the conclusion of his current term. This followed a process conducted by a working group established by the Basketball SA Commission.
Brenton initially joined Basketball SA on 31 October 2022 on a 3-year contract. During that time, he has strengthened relations across all basketball stakeholders, overseen the opening of the State Basketball Centre, driven advocacy initiatives with the State Government, played a pivotal role in saving the Adelaide Lightning, and launched the One Team One Goal 2025-2028 strategic plan.
Basketball SA recorded a significant increase in participants across all organised competitions in 2024, driven by grassroots expansion and inclusive programs like the Female Participation Strategy with over 25 per cent of players now female and over 1.3 million Australians playing across the country in the $400M industry, making it the second-largest team sport by participation in Australia.
Chair of the Basketball South Australia Commission, James Kitching, stated that the Commission was unanimous in reaching the decision to reappoint Brenton, saying:
“Tim has led the hardworking team at Basketball SA to achieve significant progress across several key areas of the business. His strong stakeholder management skills and values-based leadership have been instrumental in achieving that progress and will be imperative as we seek to deliver on the pillars set out in the strategic plan. On behalf of the Basketball SA Commission, I am pleased to confirm that Tim has been reappointed as Chief Executive Officer.”
Chief Executive Officer, Basketball South Australia, Tim Brenton, commented:
“I’m honoured to continue leading Basketball South Australia at such a pivotal time for our sport. Basketball has always been about more than the game itself, it’s about bringing people together, celebrating diversity, and building a thriving community through the sport we love. I look forward to working with our clubs, associations, Commission and partners to strengthen pathways, enhance facilities, and ensure basketball remains a sport for everyone to enjoy in South Australia.”
Basketball South Australia is the peak body responsible for the development and promotion of basketball in our State. Basketball SA remains committed to strong governance, community engagement, and the continued development of basketball at all levels. More information here
Media Contact for More Information:
Cindy Halkias Basketball SA via chalkias@basketballsa.com.au
Buy a Wilson here: https://au.wilson.com/collections/basketball-sa-x-wilson
Basketball South Australia is proud to announce a new multi-year partnership with Wilson, who will become our Official Ball Provider for all competitions and events across the state, commencing October 2025.
Basketball South Australia Chief Executive Officer, Tim Brenton, commented:
“Partnering with Wilson marks an important step forward for Basketball South Australia. From grassroots under 10s to NBL1 Central, this collaboration will deliver innovative products that strengthen opportunities for players, coaches, officials and the wider basketball community, while driving basketball’s growth and inclusivity across the state.
We sincerely thank Molten for their time with us. The decision to move with Wilson reflects our shared vision for basketball in South Australia and strengthens our ability to deliver on our strategic commitments.”
Head of Wilson Australia, Phillip Watkins, also expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership:
“Wilson is honoured to be named the official ball partner of Basketball SA. This partnership provides an exciting platform to demonstrate our ongoing product innovation while supporting the development of athletes across all levels of the game — from grassroots programs through to the elite pathways in South Australia.”
“Thank you to Basketball South Australia CEO Tim Brenton and the extended Basketball SA team for this opportunity. I am looking forward to connecting with the Basketball SA community as we drive our vision to create a better world through sport.‘”
Stay tuned for more exciting updates on this partnership coming late September 2025, including when you can get your hands on a Wilson!
Basketball South Australia is the peak body responsible for the development and promotion of basketball in our State. Basketball SA remains committed to strong governance, community engagement, and the continued development of basketball at all levels. More information here
Media Contact for More Information:
Cindy Halkias Basketball SA via chalkias@basketballsa.com.au
Basketball SA announces key board appointments and leadership continuity
Not pictured above: Nadia Andjelkovic.
Basketball South Australia is pleased to announce four new board appointments and the continuation of key leadership roles following recent membership votes at their AGM and subsequent commission meetings.
Following the Annual General Meeting held on 25 May, Darren Kasehagen and Sarah Coligan GAICD have been elected to the Commission of Basketball South Australia. Darren brings a strong background in finance, strategy execution, stakeholder engagement, and risk management, having held senior roles across the finance industry. His insights will support Basketball South Australia’s efforts to strengthen its community presence and advocacy.
Sarah brings extensive experience in managing strategic marketing, PR and sponsorship attraction initiatives for organisations across Australia. Her governance expertise spans multiple corporate and not-for-profits across different sectors. Her background in strategic and crisis communications, brand development, and commercial partnerships will also be an asset to industry and Commission.
At the first meeting of the Commission on 2 June, James Kitching was reappointed as Chair, with Jasmin Chua continuing in her role as Deputy Chair of Basketball South Australia. Their ongoing leadership ensures stability and delivery of a strong vision to solidify the future of basketball in South Australia. Following a review of key skills needed, two additional independent commissioners, Emma Grigson and Nadia Andjelkovic, have now also been appointed to the Board of Basketball South Australia.
Emma Grigson is a seasoned governance professional with extensive experience in board leadership, strategy and policy development. Emma brings a strong focus on structured governance, stakeholder engagement, and strategic oversight, bringing valuable expertise to the Commission.
Nadia Andjelkovic brings considerable executive experience and operational insight to the role. Her background includes senior leadership roles across various sectors, where she has demonstrated a strong capacity for strategic planning, organisational transformation, and stakeholder collaboration which will be instrumental in supporting the Commission’s objectives.
Chair James Kitching said, “It’s an honour to continue serving as Chair of Basketball SA, and I’m thrilled to welcome Darren, Sarah, Emma and Nadia to the Commission. Their expertise will be instrumental as we continue to grow the game and support our basketball community.”
All Commissioners are appointed on a 2 year term, seeing these new members through to June 2027.
Over the past two weeks, the Basketball South Australia District League Grand Finals concluded with thrilling competitions across 72 divisions, ranging from Under 10 Juniors to Senior Reserves. These finals were marked by intense matchups, spectacular sportsmanship, and outstanding team spirit.
Supporters filled the stands with enthusiasm, creating a vibrant atmosphere that energised the games. Fans were treated to several exhilarating finishes, highlighting the high skill level and determination on display.
The success of these games was made possible by the unwavering dedication of coaches, team managers, referees, and technical officials. Their hard work ensured fair play and upheld the sport’s high standards, and for that, we extend our deepest gratitude. Their commitment is instrumental in fostering the competitive and respectful environment we value at Basketball South Australia.
The results of each game are accessible by selecting the competition below.
| Division | Team A | Team B | Score |
| U10 Boys | Division 1 | U10B South Adelaide Panthers 1 | U10B West Adelaide Bearcats 1 | A-41 B-27 |
| U10 Boys | Division 2 | U10B South Adelaide Panthers 2 | U10B Woodville Warriors 1 | A-54 B-18 |
| U10 Boys | Division 3 | U10B South Adelaide Panthers 3 | U10B Sturt Sabres 3 | A-46 B-20 |
| U10 Boys | Division 4 | U10B South Adelaide Panthers 4 | U10B Norwood Flames 5 | A-46 B-39 |
| U10 Boys | Division 5 | U10B West Adelaide Bearcats 5 | U10B Eastern Mavericks 2 | A-34 B-22 |
| Division | Team A | Team B | Score |
| U10 Girls | Division 1 | U10G West Adelaide Bearcats 1 | U10G Norwood Flames 1 | A-26 B-23 |
| U10 Girls | Division 2 | U10G South Adelaide Panthers 2 | U10G West Adelaide Bearcats 2 | A-13 B-19 |
| U10 Girls | Division 3 | U10G South Adelaide Panthers 3 | U10G Forestville Eagles 2 | A-15 B-9 |
| U10 Girls | Division 4 | U10G Forestville Eagles 4 | U10G Southern Tigers 2 | A-17 B-9 |
| Division | Team A | Team B | Score |
| U12 Boys | Division 1 | U12B South Adelaide Panthers 1 | U12B North Adelaide Rockets 1 | A-50 B-33 |
| U12 Boys | Division 2 | U12B Norwood Flames 2 | U12B West Adelaide Bearcats 2 | A-47 B-35 |
| U12 Boys | Division 3 | U12B Sturt Sabres 3 | U12B North Adelaide Rockets 3 | A-36 B-40 |
| U12 Boys | Division 4 | U12B Sturt Sabres 5 | U12B South Adelaide Panthers 4 | A-49 B-34 |
| U12 Boys | Division 5 | U12B Norwood Flames 6 | U12B South Adelaide Panthers 5 | A-25 B-29 |
| U12 Boys | Division 6 | U12B Woodville Warriors 5 | U12B Sturt Sabres 6 | A-32 B-33 |
| U12 Boys | Division 7 | U12B United Districts Titans 1 | U12B Forestville Eagles 7 | A-34 B-27 |
| Division | Team A | Team B | Score |
| U12 Girls | Division 1 | U12G West Adelaide Bearcats 1 | U12G Norwood Flames 1 | A-29 B-28 |
| U12 Girls | Division 2 | U12G South Adelaide Panthers 2 | U12G Central Districts Lions 2 | A-20 B-33 |
| U12 Girls | Division 3 | U12G Norwood Flames 3 | U12G Norwood Flames 4 | A-44 B-19 |
| U12 Girls | Division 4 | U12G Sturt Sabres 5 | U12G West Adelaide Bearcats 4 | A-14 B-5 |
| U12 Girls | Division 5 | U12G West Adelaide Bearcats 5 | U12G Western Magic 1 | A-26 B-22 |
| Division | Team A | Team B | Score |
| U14 Boys | Division 1 | U14B South Adelaide Panthers 1 | U14B Norwood Flames 1 | A-68 B-67 |
| U14 Boys | Division 2 | U14B North Adelaide Rockets 2 | U14B West Adelaide Bearcats 2 | A-41 B-55 |
| U14 Boys | Division 3 | U14B Sturt Sabres 3 | U14B North Adelaide Rockets 3 | A-34 B-45 |
| U14 Boys | Division 4 | U14B North Adelaide Rockets 5 | U14B West Adelaide Bearcats 4 | A-30 B-34 |
| U14 Boys | Division 5 | U14B United Districts Titans 1 | U14B Western Magic 1 | A-51 B-48 |
| U14 Boys | Division 6 | U14B West Adelaide Bearcats 6 | U14B Forestville Eagles 7 | A-39 B-48 |
| U14 Boys | Division 7 | U14B United Districts Titans 2 | U14B SA Church Stars 2 | A-58 B-60 |
| U14 Boys | Division 8 | U14B United Districts Titans 3 | U14B Forestville Eagles 10 | A-19 B-27 |
| Division | Team A | Team B | Score |
| U14 Girls | Division 1 | U14G South Adelaide Panthers 1 | U14G Forestville Eagles 1 | A-56 B-35 |
| U14 Girls | Division 2 | U14G Norwood Flames 2 | U14G South Adelaide Panthers 2 | A-37 B-47 |
| U14 Girls | Division 3 | U14G South Adelaide Panthers 4 | U14G South Adelaide Panthers 3 | A-16 B-12 |
| U14 Girls | Division 4 | U14G North Adelaide Rockets 3 | U14G North Adelaide Rockets 4 | A-19 B-25 |
| U14 Girls | Division 5 | U14G Forestville Eagles 6 | U14G Sturt Sabres 4 | A-17 B-28 |
| Division | Team A | Team B | Score |
| U16 Boys | Division 1 | U16B West Adelaide Bearcats 1 | U16B South Adelaide Panthers 1 | A-57 B-71 |
| U16 Boys | Division 2 | U16B Forestville Eagles 2 | U16B South Adelaide Panthers 2 | A-61 B-32 |
| U16 Boys | Division 3 | U16B South Adelaide Panthers 3 | U16B West Adelaide Bearcats 3 | A-48 B-44 |
| U16 Boys | Division 4 | U16B Sturt Sabres 4 | U16B Woodville Warriors 5 | A-31 B-33 |
| U16 Boys | Division 5 | U16B North Adelaide Rockets 5 | U16B Sturt Sabres 5 | A-45 B-30 |
| U16 Boys | Division 6 | U16B Forestville Eagles 7 | U16B Southern Tigers 5 | A-43 B-33 |
| U16 Boys | Division 7 | U16B United Districts Titans 1 | U16B West Adelaide Bearcats 6 | A-32 B-38 |
| U16 Boys | Division 8 | U16B Woodville Warriors 7 | U16B United Districts Titans 3 | A-38 B-36 |
| Division | Team A | Team B | Score |
| U16 Girls | Division 1 | U16G Norwood Flames 1 | U16G Eastern Mavericks 1 | A-59 B-39 |
| U16 Girls | Division 2 | U16G Forestville Eagles 2 | U16G Norwood Flames 2 | A-38 B-68 |
| U16 Girls | Division 3 | U16G Forestville Eagles 3 | U16G Sturt Sabres 3 | A-24 B-28 |
| U16 Girls | Division 4 | U16G Southern Tigers 2 | U16G Norwood Flames 6 | A-29 B-19 |
| U16 Girls | Division 5 | U16G Forestville Eagles 5 | U16G South Adelaide Panthers 4 | A-35 B-30 |
| Division | Team A | Team B | Score |
| U18 Boys | Division 1 | U18B Forestville Eagles 1 | U18B Central Districts Lions 1 | A-86 B-82 |
| U18 Boys | Division 2 | U18B Woodville Warriors 2 | U18B West Adelaide Bearcats 2 | A-53 B-54 |
| U18 Boys | Division 3 | U18B Sturt Sabres 4 | U18B Sturt Sabres 3 | A-49 B-53 |
| U18 Boys | Division 4 | U18B West Adelaide Bearcats 4 | U18B Forestville Eagles 4 | A-56 B-44 |
| U18 Boys | Division 5 | U18B Southern Tigers 4 | U18B North Adelaide Rockets 5 | A-38 B-45 |
| U18 Boys | Division 6 | U18B Sturt Sabres 6 | U18B South Adelaide Panthers 6 | A-30 B-28 |
| U18 Boys | Division 7 | U18B Eastern Mavericks 5 | U18B Central Districts Lions 6 | A-46 B-37 |
| Division | Team A | Team B | Score |
| U18 Girls | Division 1 | U18G Forestville Eagles 1 | U18G West Adelaide Bearcats 1 | A-72 B-52 |
| U18 Girls | Division 2 | U18G West Adelaide Bearcats 2 | U18G Forestville Eagles 2 | A-41 B-42 |
| U18 Girls | Division 3 | U18G Western Magic 1 | U18G West Adelaide Bearcats 3 | A-31 B-25 |
| Division | Team A | Team B | Score |
| U21 Men | Division 1 | U21M North Adelaide Rockets 1 | U21M Woodville Warriors 1 | A-101 B-89 |
| U21 Men | Division 2 | U21M South Adelaide Panthers 2 | U21M North Adelaide Rockets 2 | A-72 B-86 |
| U21 Men | Division 3 | U21M Norwood Flames 4 | U21M Forestville Eagles 4 | A-53 B-33 |
| U21 Men | Division 4 | U21M SA Church Stars 2 | U21M South Adelaide Panthers 5 | A-43 B-54 |
| Division | Team A | Team B | Score |
| U23 Women | Division 1 | U23W Sturt Sabres 1 | U23W Forestville Eagles 1 | A-62 B-60 |
| U23 Women | Division 2 | U23W Central Districts Lions 1 | U23W Sturt Sabres 3 | A-63 B-51 |
| Division | Team A | Team B | Score |
| Senior Men | Reserves | RM Sturt Sabres | RM South Adelaide Panthers | A-103 B-77 |
| Senior Men | Division 3 | SM Sturt Sabres 1 | SM West Adelaide Bearcats 1 | A-78 B-68 |
| Senior Men | Division 4 | SM Forestville Eagles 2 | SM South Adelaide Panthers 3 | A-62 B-66 |
| Senior Men | Division 5 | SM Southern Tigers 3 | SM Forestville Eagles 4 | A-61 B-63 |
| Senior Men | Division 6 | SM SA Church Stars 2 | SM South Adelaide Panthers 5 | A-33 B-45 |
| Senior Men | Division 7 | SM Adelaide University Griffins 4 | SM West Adelaide Bearcats 4 | A-38 B-40 |
| Division | Team A | Team B | Score |
| Senior Women | Reserves | RW Sturt Sabres | RW Forestville Eagles | A-92 B-113 |
| Senior Women | Division 3 | SW West Adelaide Bearcats 1 | SW South Adelaide Panthers 2 | A-53 B-43 |
| Senior Women | Division 4 | SW Central Districts Lions 2 | SW West Adelaide Bearcats 3 | A-39 B-21 |
Basketball South Australia is seeking nominations from individuals to join its sub-committees. To support the functioning of the Commission, sub-committees play an essential role in upholding good governance practices and improving the sport of basketball on and off the court.
The Basketball SA Commission leads our governing body and is responsible for strategic direction, establishing organisational goals for management and monitoring the achievements and risk directly through its committees.
Nominations are now open for people with legal, risk, finance, sporting and governance skills and experience. The role of an appointed sub-committee member is voluntary and successful nominees will be appointed to a two-year term.
Opportunities are available on the following sub-committees:
These sub-committees operate under the leadership of a Commissioner as Chair, as well as Basketball SA team member ex-officio. Terms of Reference details the role objectives, duties and responsibilities of the sub-committee.
Basketball SA supports the 40:40:20 policy initiative to recognise leadership of women in sport and supports all aspects of diversity.
Specific skills in strategic management, financial acumen, government or business, or basketball operations will be highly regarded.
Nominations open 8th August 2024 and close 22nd August 2024.
To nominate, please complete this FORM. Nominations will only be considered with an accompanying cover letter and resume.
For further information contact Basketball SA CEO Tim Brenton at tbrenton@basketballsa.com.au
Basketball SA is excited to announce our new partnership with Sport4All for 2024. This collaboration aims to make basketball more inclusive for all South Australians.
Our partnership will focus on increasing awareness and opportunities for participation through programs like Aussie Hoops, 3×3, wheelchair basketball, and walking basketball. We’re thrilled to have Sport4All’s Inclusion Coach, Kelly Hamlyn, join our team to help improve accessibility and engagement in the sport.
By working together, Sport4All and Basketball SA are working towards a more inclusive future for basketball and South Australians.
For more details, visit this link!
On Monday, 25 June 2024, the Basketball SA Commission held its scheduled bi-monthly meeting. At the commencement of the meeting, the Commission accepted the resignation of Mr Wade Burns.
Basketball SA acknowledges Mr Burns for his contribution to South Australian basketball.
The Commission has elected James Kitching as Chair of the Commission and Jasmin Chua as the Deputy Chair.
NBL1 Central 2024 Grand Finals Big Shed Bash: Win lunch, transfers and courtside seats for you and three friends!
To win, just share a photo of you enjoying any NBL1 Central game with a Big Shed beverage and caption it as to why you deserve to be courtside for the Grand Finals. Don’t forget to tag @NBL1Central and @BigShedBeer along with the hashtag #NBL1BigShedBash to be in to win.
The winner will be chosen on 2nd August and will win Lunch for four at Big Shed Brewing before the game, Transfers to the Adelaide 36ers Arena and Four Courtside seats for the NBL1 Central 2024 Grand Finals on the 10th August. Prize is worth $800.
Two Runner Ups will be selected and will win a four pack of Big Shed Brewing products along with four general admission tickets to the NBL1 Central Grand Finals on the 10th August.
NBL1 Central Games can be watched on Kayo, NBL1 Live stream, or in person at the venue. To be eligible to win, the post must be public on Instagram and include the game, a Big Shed Beverage, the tags @NBL1Central and @BigShedBeer, hashtag #NBL1BigShedBash and a caption as to why you should be courtside for the grand final.
Entrants must be over 18 years at the time of entry. Drink responsibly.
