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 is delighted to announce that, after more than three years of planning and preparation, the long-awaited air conditioning works at Springbank Secondary College Stadium will commence in the week starting 29 September 2025.
Driven by Springbank Secondary College, this project has been made possible through the strong collaboration between Sturt Sabres Basketball Club, Basketball South Australia, Springbank Secondary College, and the Department for Education; reflecting a shared commitment to improving community sporting facilities.
Basketball South Australia major partner, Seeley International, were successful in what was a hotly contested tender process with their Climate Wizards CW-X Series.
In recognition of the importance of delivering this project before the peak of summer, the “final” timeline was brought forward and condensed to ensure a fully operational system ahead of the hot season. The works are expected to take 8–10 weeks, with key construction activities scheduled during school hours and the September school holidays to minimise disruption to competitions and training.
To facilitate the project, part of the gravel car park will be fenced off to house the project team’s office, temporary toilets, materials storage, and manage deliveries. Car parking will therefore be limited during this period. Additionally, the Sturt Shed will be relocated to allow for the external equipment storage to be housed in a safe a distal location from thoroughfares.Coupled with this project, Springbank Secondary College has invested in significant solar panel additions. The inclusion of these works has zero impact to basketball programs or stadium infrastructure.
Basketball South Australia acknowledges the patience and support of players, coaches, officials, families, and the broader community throughout this process and looks forward to the delivery of a more comfortable environment for all who use the stadium. A special commendation must be made to Sturt Sabres Basketball Club who have been tremendously helpful and supportive of the everchanging logistical landscape outside of all our respective control to make this a reality.
Basketball South Australia will continue to campaign, advocate, and push forward to build and upgrade venues to increase accessibility to air-conditioned venues, and look forward to working with Seeley International into the future.
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 (Basketball SA) is excited to announce a partnership with PEAQ Conditioning, aimed at further enhancing our Performance Pathways Program. This collaboration combines Basketball SA’s leadership in promoting the sport of basketball with PEAQ’s expertise in integrated health and wellness services.
Through this partnership, Basketball SA and PEAQ Conditioning offers players, coaches, and staff world-class allied health services. PEAQ’s comprehensive approach to health, fitness, and wellness will provide Basketball SA’s community with tailored solutions designed to support athletic performance and overall well-being.
Tim Brenton, CEO of Basketball SA, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “I’m incredibly excited about our partnership with PEAQ. I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working with Sean Baker previously, and I’ve always admired his attention to detail and his ‘person-first’ philosophy, underpinned by evidence-based approaches to strength and conditioning. Sean and his family represent not just world-class performance but world-class people. Their values align perfectly with ours, and this collaboration will unlock enormous benefits for our athletes, coaches, and programs across South Australia.”
PEAQ’s team of experts will work directly with Basketball SA’s Performance Pathways Leaders to implement a range of services and resources necessary for athletes to reach their full potential on and off the court.
Sean Baker, Founder and Head Coach of PEAQ Conditioning, shared his thoughts on this exciting venture:
“We are excited and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Basketball SA. We believe that this collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to provide elite physical performance services at all levels of sport in South Australia. Together, we aim to enhance the longevity and physical output of SA’s next generation of basketball talent.”
Basketball SA and PEAQ Conditioning look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have in creating the next generation of elite basketball players and coaches.
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 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 proud to announce an exciting new partnership to bring South Australia’s emerging stars to your screens over the next three years as a part of a new deal with Kommunity TV.
The State Junior Championships, starting May 16, will broadcast a range of games from the State Basketball Centre, including all division one Grand Finals on May 19, and again in 2025 and 2026.
The partnership will also cover the District League competitions, with Junior, Youth and Senior Finals taking place in July and August 2024.
Adam May, GM Finance & Commercial of Basketball South Australia, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “Basketball SA is extremely excited to expand the partnership with KommunityTV, broadcasting a range of games from our competitions over the next three years, and allowing more basketball fans to see the coverage of grassroots community basketball than ever before.
“We look forward to sharing games from the State Basketball Centre – the new home of South Australian basketball – at the upcoming State Championships.
“We are also looking forward to expanding the coverage of the District League finals across the Senior, Youth and Junior competitions, after the successful partnership with the Junior competition last year.
Partnering for multiple years allows us to work with KommunityTV to focus on developing the coverage over the life of the agreement, utilising their experience in broadcasting Basketball in both South Australia as well as around the country.”
With the 2024 Basketball SA State Championships tipping off next week, you will be able to catch all the action from courts five and six at the State Basketball Centre on KommunityTV across the duration of the event, starting Thursday May 16.
We are very excited to announce the eight South Australian Athletes that have been selected as a part of the Under 17 Australian Junior Squad to attend the Emus and Sapphires Camps in preparation for the 2024 World Cup.
These are the athletes that will be representing South Australia at the Junior Squad Camps held at the Australian Centre of Excellence in March.
WOMEN / SAPPHIRES
MEN / EMUS
As part of Basketball South Australia’s High-Performance restructure and vision, Dee will lead our female High-Performance portfolio, including coaching and administration. This exciting and innovative approach to female pathways is a new era for South Australia, to encourage and inspire girls and women to participate at the highest level of basketball.
Dee brings a wealth of basketball experience to our team, having lived through the High-Performance program herself as both a player and a parent. As a young seven-year-old, Dee embarked on her basketball journey. Growing up, Dee followed Western Australia’s High-Performance program as an athlete participating and competing in the U14, U16 and U18 National Squads. In 2000 to 2001, she attended the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) on a scholarship, whilst concurrently being selected as an Australian Junior for the Gems and Sapphires. Dee’s impressive playing career had only just begun, with her hitting the court for eleven seasons in the WNBL. She started in the WNBL playing for Perth, before transitioning to Dandenong where she won two WNBL championships, finishing her extensive WNBL career in Adelaide in 2007.
Dee’s passion for people stems from her current studies within Social Work and her personal philosophy “participants are people before athletes.” Dee said, “I am thrilled at the prospect of contributing to the High-Performance program in South Australia. Basketball South Australia’s vision and commitment to excellence aligns seamlessly with my passion for the sport and my desire to continually elevate my personal skills. The opportunity to be part of a team that is committed to prioritising not only the skill development of their young athletes, but also in fostering a wellbeing & holistic approach excites me. I look forward to meeting all the young athletes and embracing the opportunities ahead.”
Dee’s unique playing and work career will provide valuable insight into Basketball SA’s innovative approach to collaborating with female players, coaches and support staff. Dee’s “people first” approach will provide girls, women, and their families a safe, transparent, and tailored High-Performance pathway.
Tim Brenton, Basketball South Australia CEO, said, “Dee Ranford is an outstanding woman, former player, coach, mum, and role model. We could not be happier with Dee’s appointment. We are looking forward to watching Dee grow in this space and just as important, creating a best practice High-Performance program for girls and women to flourish.”
Dee joins the Basketball South Australia team on 7 February 2024.
