The future of elite women’s basketball in South Australia is secure, with the Malinauskas Labor Government teaming up with the WNBL to secure the future of the Adelaide Lightning.
As one of the most successful teams in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), winning five championships since entering the league in 1993, the Adelaide Lightning has long been a symbol of excellence, resilience, and opportunity for South Australian athletes, coaches, and fans alike. Today’s announcement ensures that the Adelaide Lightning’s legacy and impact will continue to shine brightly, both on and off the court.
In a statement on the matter, Basketball South Australia Chair James Kitching expressed appreciation for the support, saying, ”On behalf of the Basketball South Australia Commission, we welcome and are grateful for the investment made by the Malinauskas government in ensuring that a high-performance pathway into professional women’s basketball will continue to exist in South Australia. We are excited about the plans that the new private ownership of the WNBL has to elevate the sport, and look forward to working with the WNBL, the South Australian government, and South Australian basketball stakeholders to ensure the ongoing success of the Adelaide Lightning”.
CEO of Basketball South Australia, Tim Brenton, added “We are beyond thrilled that the Adelaide Lightning will remain in the WNBL. This outcome ensures South Australians will continue to enjoy and be inspired by elite women’s basketball. This outcome would not have been possible without the leadership and support of the Malinauskas Government, in particular Sports Minister Emily Bourke and ORSR CEO Kylie Taylor, whose willingness to partner with Basketball SA has been instrumental. Their commitment to women’s sport, building sustainable, community-connected high-performance programs, reflects a shared vision for opportunity, participation and excellence across the state”.
This partnership not only safeguards one of the WNBL’s most iconic clubs but also reinforces South Australia’s commitment to growing women’s basketball and inspiring the next generations. The continuation of the Adelaide Lightning means more than games on the calendar, it means preserving a legacy, protecting pathways for female athletes, and maintaining South Australia’s strong presence in national competition.
Basketball South Australia extends its deepest gratitude to all stakeholders, supporters, and partners who rallied to keep the Lightning alive. The future is bright, and the Lightning is ready to shine once again.
Basketball South Australia is proud to announce the historic milestone of sending its first-ever South Australian wheelchair basketball team to compete in the 2025 Foot Locker Under 18 & Junior Wheelchair National Championships. The event will take place from April 9 to April 13 at the South Pine Sports Complex in Brendale, Queensland.
This prestigious national tournament, formerly known as the Kevin Coombs Cup, brings together the best young wheelchair basketball athletes from across Australia. It provides an opportunity for athletes who meet the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) classification criteria to showcase their skills at the highest junior level.
The inclusion of a South Australian team marks a significant step forward in the state’s commitment to growing and supporting wheelchair basketball. The squad has been training rigorously in preparation for this milestone event, and Basketball South Australia is excited to see them take on the best in the country.
This talented squad features athletes who have previously represented Australia at the junior and senior levels, including Kane Downie, Alexander Blackmore, and Cooper Spillane as part of the Spinners, and Katelin Gunn as part of the Gliders.
Head Coach: David Gould
Team Manager: Lucinda Bueti
Basketball South Australia CEO Tim Brenton expressed enthusiasm about the team’s participation, stating, “I am proud to see South Australia represented at the Australian Junior Championships for wheelchair basketball, the Kevin Coombs Cup. This is a fantastic milestone for our basketball community and a testament to the growth of our sport.” It also aligns with the development of our wheelchair framework. Having Paralympian David Gould coaching the team adds a wealth of experience and inspiration for our young athletes.” Brenton continued, “I look forward to seeing them compete and represent our state with pride.”
The championships will provide a platform for South Australia’s athletes to gain valuable experience, compete at an elite level, and inspire future generations of wheelchair basketball players in the state.
Basketball South Australia encourages the community to get behind the team as they prepare for this exciting journey. Stay tuned for updates on their progress and achievements throughout the tournament.
Basketball SA is thrilled to announce that the Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 Central Women’s and Men’s Grand Finals will be hosted at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday, 16th August 2025, as a double-header spectacle.
In 2024, the league reached a significant milestone, with a record crowd attending the Grand Finals at the Adelaide 36ers Arena. The growth in the Central Conference has been immense, and Basketball SA is proud to bring NBL1 Central’s pinnacle games to South Australia’s premier entertainment venue.
“Bringing the NBL1 Central Grand Finals to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre is a fantastic opportunity to highlight how far the league has come. The overwhelming support from South Australia’s basketball community has made this milestone possible, and we’re excited to see even more fans join us for this momentous occasion. This move not only reflects the growth of basketball in the state but also our ambition to provide players and fans with a world-class experience. We’re committed to making this a day that celebrates everything basketball stands for — teamwork, perseverance, and community spirit,” said Tom Mitchell, Operations Manager, Basketball SA.
Tim Brenton, CEO of Basketball SA, added, “Hosting Basketball SA’s Grand Finals at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre is a landmark moment for our sport. This event not only showcases the incredible talent within South Australian basketball but also highlights the growth of our game. Bringing South Australia’s best female and male teams to a world-class venue reflects our commitment to elevating the basketball experience for players, coaches, and fans alike. We look forward to an unforgettable showcase in front of Australia’s best basketball fans.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Kate Russo, Reece Turner, and the team at AVM for their invaluable support in hosting this event. Their expertise has been crucial in bringing this vision to life, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with them to deliver a world-class experience for all attendees.
This milestone is poised to propel South Australian basketball to even greater heights, underscoring the significance of showcasing both the women’s and men’s games on the biggest stage.”
Tickets will go on sale at 10 AM on Monday, March 24.
For sponsorship and corporate booking information, please get in touch with Tom Mitchell at tmitchell@basketballsa.com.au
For more than half a century, the Halls Medal has been a symbol of excellence in South Australian women’s basketball. First awarded in 1964, the prestigious honour was established to recognise the best and fairest players in the District Women’s competition. Over the years, it has evolved into the award for the Fairest and Most Brilliant player, with referees casting votes after every game on a 3-2-1 basis.
With a history rich in talent, past winners include some of Australia’s basketball greats — Rachael Sporn (West Adelaide, 1989 & 1993), Suzy Batkovic (West Adelaide, 2002), Alex Wilson (Eastern Mavericks, 2017), and Kristen Veal (Norwood, 1999), among others. The origins of the award date back to a time when the Woollacott Medal was the sole recognition for standout players. A push for a separate women’s award led to Halls Soft Drinks sponsoring the medal, creating a legacy that has stood the test of time. Now, in recognition of the remarkable contributions of women in basketball and the sport’s ever-evolving landscape, the Halls Medal is set to be renamed. And there is no better figure to honour in this transition than Lorraine Eiler, a true trailblazer of women’s basketball in Australia.
Eiler was a natural leader who captained South Australia’s state team at the first-ever National Championships in 1955, winning the first of nine consecutive titles. She made history as the captain of Australia’s first-ever national women’s basketball team, leading the Opals at the 1957 FIBA World Championships in Brazil. What makes her story even more remarkable is that she had only taken up basketball three years prior to her historic selection.
A multi-talented athlete, Eiler excelled not only in basketball but also in netball, where she represented Australia and led the national team to victory over England in 1956. She was also an A-grade tennis and squash player. But it was her groundbreaking journey in basketball that saw her become the first Australian woman to receive a U.S. college scholarship — an opportunity that paved the way for future generations of female athletes. Her legacy was cemented when she was inducted into the Basketball Australia Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Sport SA Hall of Fame in 2015. She remains one of the most influential figures in Australian women’s basketball history.
The official unveiling of the new name will take place at this year’s Basketball SA Awards Gala, ensuring that the legacy of the Halls Medal continues to inspire generations to come. The inaugural Lorraine Eiler Medalist will be awarded to the Fairest and Most Brilliant player of the 2025 NBL1 Central season, which tips off on March 29.
Basketball SA CEO Tim Brenton expressed his excitement about the renaming, stating, “This is a monumental step forward in recognising the pioneers of our sport. Lorraine Eiler’s contributions to basketball in South Australia and beyond are immeasurable, and it is only fitting that her name is forever linked to this prestigious award.” He added, “Lorraine was not just an exceptional athlete but also a role model who paved the way for future generations. By renaming this medal in her honour, we ensure her legacy continues to inspire young basketballers for years to come.”
Lorraine’s daughter, Jodi Mavrinac (née Eiler), also shared what the honour means to their family:
“On behalf of the Eiler family, I would like to thank Basketball South Australia for bestowing this tremendous honour upon Mum. Mum was a humble person when it came to her sporting achievements, but I know she would be smiling down upon us today. When we talk about heroes in life, my brother Dana and I didn’t have to look far afield. Mum always led by example in everything she did, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of such recognition. The renaming of the Halls Medal to the Lorraine Eiler Medal fills our hearts to know her legacy will inspire generations of women and live on through the sport she loved so much.”
Jodi Mavrinac (née Eiler)
We would like to thank the Basketball SA Awards and History Committee for their assistance and guidance on renaming the award.
Basketball South Australia is excited to announce the launch of the 2025 South Australian Referee Development Program (SARDP). This program has been carefully designed to unify officiating across both Metro and Country basketball in South Australia, providing a structured development pathway for promising referees.
SARDP is an exclusive program with limited positions, reserved for officials who have demonstrated commitment, potential, and a strong desire to develop themselves and others. We are thrilled to announce the selected referees for this year’s program.
2025 SARDP Participants:
| Alix Lilley | Lachlan Marks |
| Ariella Randi | Lara Spokes |
| Ashby Sutcliffe | Lily May |
| Bradley May | Lucy Koch |
| Brayden Fallavollita | Makita Pitt-Williams |
| Cameron Dixon | Matthew Dixon |
| Claire Bowler | Meg O’Leary-Fletcher |
| Eden Baker | Molly Cox |
| Emma Ashmoore | Mykaela Walker |
| Jack Pietsch | Rick Hoffmann |
| Jack Shepperd | Sam Sargent |
| James Anderson | Taylor Ho |
| James Bruce | Timothy George |
| Jamie May | Tynan Kelly |
| Jared Filmer | Zahli Priest |
| Jordyn Summers | Zinzan Todd |
| Krystal Miller | Zoe Grigg |
| Lachlan Cox |
Overseeing the program is an experienced team of referee educators who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to mentor and support our selected officials.
SARDP Coaching Panel:
Additionally, the SARDP will feature guest speakers and presenters who will provide participants with high-level officiating education and development opportunities. Participants must actively engage in all sessions, be available to officiate throughout the competition year, and complete all assigned tasks.
Tonight, we will be officially launching and welcoming the referees into the SARDP for 2025.
We congratulate all selected referees and look forward to seeing them continue their officiating journey through the SARDP. Basketball SA remains committed to fostering referee development and empowering all South Australian officials, ensuring a strong foundation for the future of basketball across the state.
We are proud to introduce One Team One Goal – Basketball South Australia’s Strategic Plan for 2025 –2028. This plan reflects our shared commitment to growing, developing, and sustaining basketball across the state.
Basketball in South Australia is thriving, and this strategy is our roadmap to ensuring it remains the most inclusive, accessible, and dynamic sport in the country. Through our five strategic pillars, Participate, Develop, Sustainable, Places to Play, and Collaborate, we will enhance opportunities for all involved in the game while strengthening facilities, governance, and commercial foundations.
Success will only be achieved through collaboration, and we invite you to be part of this journey.
Read the full plan here!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
One Team One Goal is Basketball South Australia’s strategic plan for 2025–2028. It outlines our commitment to growing and strengthening basketball across South Australia through five strategic pillars: Participate, Develop, Places to Play, Collaborate, and Sustainable.
The plan provides a clear direction for the sport, ensuring participation growth, stronger development pathways, improved infrastructure, better collaboration, and long-term sustainability.
– Expanding school and grassroots programs.
– Increasing opportunities for female, inclusive, and wheelchair basketball.
– Strengthening regional and community basketball.
– A contemporary coaching framework and enhanced training programs.
– A whole of sport roadmap focusing on recruitment and retainment.
– Investment in leadership opportunities across all levels of basketball.
– Collaborating with local councils, state government and private investment on facility expansion.
– Upgrading existing venues to meet increasing demand.
– Developing a long-term infrastructure strategy.
– Strengthening partnerships with local clubs, associations, and governing bodies.
– Enhancing consultation and feedback opportunities.
– Working closely with government and commercial partners to support basketball development.
– Responsible financial management and diversification of revenue streams.
– Increased investment in commercial opportunities and grants.
– Development of a long-term investment strategy.
– Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are benchmarked and measured across all areas of the plan.
– Regular reporting and evaluation to ensure transparency and accountability.
– Through club and association meetings, forums, and dedicated feedback channels.
– Basketball SA will provide regular updates and opportunities for stakeholder engagement.
– Clear action plans for each strategic pillar.
– Ongoing collaboration with key stakeholders.
– Regular reviews and adjustments to ensure objectives are met.
Basketball South Australia is thrilled to announce the continuation of its successful Female Participation Strategy beyond 2024. This initiative has been instrumental in fostering inclusivity and growth, with significant milestones achieved since its inception.
The extended strategy reaffirms Basketball SA’s commitment to empowering female players, coaches, referees, and administrators while enhancing service delivery to ensure sustained success.
While these milestones are cause for celebration, Basketball SA is focused on building upon this foundation to ensure even greater impact in the future.
Basketball SA Chief Executive Officer, Tim Brenton, expressed his enthusiasm for the strategy’s continuation, stating “The Female Participation Strategy has experienced significant outcomes and milestones and we’re just getting started. Our community’s passion and commitment have brought us to this point, and we are excited to build on these achievements to create even more opportunities for females in our sport.”
Basketball South Australia thanks everyone who has contributed to the success of this strategy so far and looks forward to continuing this important journey. Together, we will ensure basketball remains a leader in fostering participation, inclusivity, and growth.
Basketball South Australia is thrilled to announce the appointment of Vanessa Devlin as our new Technical Officials and Referees Manager.
Vanessa brings a wealth of experience to this role, having been a dedicated referee since 1999. She holds both 5×5 and 3×3 FIBA international basketball licences and has proudly represented Australia on the global stage, officiating in numerous prestigious tournaments, including:
Vanessa recently retired as a referee in the WNBL after reaching the incredible milestone of 100 games, but her passion for the sport continues.
Throughout her outstanding career, Vanessa has been recognised for her contributions to basketball, including being named the South Australian Official of the Year twice in 2019 and 2022.
In addition to her refereeing accomplishments, Vanessa has played a pivotal role in advancing opportunities for women in basketball. Through Basketball SA’s Female Participation Strategy Program, Vanessa provided contemporary education and support for female referees both on and off the basketball court.
Vanessa’s commitment to basketball and her leadership extends beyond the court. Although recently selected to officiate at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Vanessa made the inspiring decision to focus on her greatest achievement — the birth of her son.
Tim Brenton, CEO of Basketball South Australia, expressed his excitement about Vanessa’s appointment: “Vanessa’s unparalleled experience, leadership, and passion for referee development will be instrumental in shaping the future of officiating in South Australia. We are thrilled to have someone of her calibre and dedication join our team.”
Vanessa Devlin, new Technical Officials and Referee Manager: “This is a wonderful opportunity, and I’m excited to bring my knowledge and experience to help support the development of all officials across South Australia”.
Basketball South Australia warmly welcomes Vanessa Devlin to this role and looks forward to her contributions to ensuring excellence and growth for technical officials and referees across the state.
Due to the upgrades to South Road as part of the Torrens to Darlington works, Basketball SA has had to find a new home!
As of December you can find us at:
Postal address:
PO BOX 2080
HILTON PLAZA SA 5033
Street Address:
Building 3, Level 1
32-56 SIR DONALD BRADMAN DRIVE,
MILE END, SA 5031
During our relocation all Basketball SA operations will continue as normal. However, if you are planning a visit to the office please ensure to check in with your respective team member on the best time and place.
Help Us Shape the Future of Basketball in South Australia!
As part of Basketball SA’s commitment to shaping a thriving and inclusive basketball community, we are seeking input from our valued members for the development of the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. Your feedback is crucial in helping us understand the needs, priorities, and aspirations of our community, ensuring that our strategy aligns with the experiences and expectations of players, coaches, officials, and supporters. By participating in this survey, you contribute directly to the future direction of basketball in South Australia, guiding initiatives that promote growth, development, and sustainability for the sport we all love.
