Basketball South Australia is stepping into a new era; one that honours our heritage, strengthens our identity, and reflects the vibrant community that powers our game.
For decades, these colours were what defined us, how we were identified and all people knew about us; but it’s time to retire the orange and black. They served us well, but as basketball has grown across South Australia, so too has our connection to the people and places that make this sport thrive.
Today, we’re proud to unveil a refreshed brand that captures who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we’re heading next.
Why the Change?
Basketball in South Australia is booming. Participation is at record levels, pathways are stronger than ever, and our footprint across the state and country continues to expand. With this growth comes an opportunity to ensure our brand reflects the energy, diversity, and pride of our basketball community.
Our new visual identity embraces the iconic South Australian colours of red, blue, and yellow.
These colours aren’t just a palette; they’re our story. They represent our heritage and carry the same energy, optimism, and history that live within our basketball community.
South Australian Red – Pride and Passion
The South Australian red runs deep in our identity. Our community is bold, passionate, and powerful, reflecting the fire in our game and the determination of our people. It is the colour of courage, commitment, and the relentless drive to compete.
Red connects us to South Australia’s rich sporting heritage; from Brett Maher and Issy Borlase wearing the red jersey as juniors before rising to national prominence, to the heart of our participants, young, old and of all abilities. It symbolises the pride we carry each time we step onto the floor wearing our state colours or in the way we advocate for our sport.
South Australian Blue – Unity and Integrity
The South Australian blue grounds our brand; calm, strong and dependable. It represents integrity, trust, and the connection that unites our basketball community. It is packed stadiums, the roar after a buzzer beater, and the determination of every player who steps onto the court. It honours the trailblazers who shaped our game; from Lorraine Eiler, whose influence opened doors for generations of South Australian women and Noel Woollacott, whose pioneering work laid the foundations for the sport we enjoy today. Blue reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves; a shared commitment to the game, to each other, and to the heritage that defines South Australian basketball. Blue is the link between our people and our purpose.
South Australian Yellow – Energy and Aspiration
The South Australian yellow is our energy and aspiration. It captures the spark that drives us and the excitement we feel every time we pick up a basketball. Yellow is the joy of practicing in driveways, the buzz of carnivals across the state, and the freedom of shooting hoops at a local court with family and friends. It represents every stage of the game; the referees finding their confidence, the coaches guiding the next generation, the volunteers creating safe and welcoming environments, and the players — young and old — who keep showing up because they love our sport. Yellow is the optimism in our future and the momentum that keeps our community moving forward. It is the colour of joy, possibility, and the enduring commitment that defines basketball in South Australia.
This rebrand reinforces the goals outlined in our 2025–2028 Strategic Plan: One Team, One Goal, which sets a clear roadmap for the next four years. Guided by five strategic pillars of Participate, Develop, Places to Play, Collaborate, and Sustainable. Our refreshed identity is the visual expression of these priorities: a brand that champions inclusivity, celebrates growth, and unites every player, coach, referee, and supporter under one vision for the future of basketball in South Australia.
Media Enquiries:
Cindy Halkias
Brand & Communications Manager, Basketball South Australia
E: chalkias@basketballsa.com.au | P: 08 7088 0070
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.
Basketball South Australia celebrated the achievements and contributions of its newest Hall of Fame members at the 2025 Basketball SA Hall of Fame, on Thursday, 13 November 2025, at The Terrace Hotel, Adelaide. The evening honoured outstanding athletes, coaches, referees, and administrators whose dedication has shaped the game in South Australia.
Each inductee’s story added another chapter to the rich history of the Hall of Fame, which continues to recognise integrity, leadership, and dedication within the basketball community. Their accolades speak for themselves, but what truly united them was a shared love of the game, forged through the friendships, rivalries, and connections made on the court, which anchored their passion for basketball every step of the way.
A highlight of the night was the induction of Ilze Nagy, whose remarkable playing career and leadership on and off the court earned her a place among South Australia’s basketball greats.
In a history-making moment, Ilze joins her husband Boti Nagy, who was previously inducted in 2021, making them the first husband-and-wife duo ever inducted into the Basketball SA Hall of Fame.
Ilze credited Boti for sharpening her exceptional shooting skills, recalling, “Boti Nagy took over the reins at Adelaide and was the coach I had for the longest time, as he also later coached me at Sturt.” She spoke warmly about their unique connection, saying:
“It was under this coaching that we adopted the attitude that when I stepped onto the court, he was my coach — not my husband. What happened in games and at trainings did not get a gig at home.”
“The Nagy name is synonymous with South Australian basketball,” said Basketball SA CEO Tim Brenton. “Ilze and Boti becoming the first husband and wife in the Basketball SA Hall of Fame reflects not only their individual excellence but also the rich legacy of European migrants who helped shape and grow the game in South Australia. Their story is part of the very fabric of South Australian basketball.” he added.
Joining Ilze in the Class of 2025 were:
From Jo Hill’s international success, to Rick Hodges’ decades of coaching influence, to the late Ted Hunt’s lasting contributions to regional basketball, to Glenys Bauers ‘shot’ that is still talked about to this day; each inductee has left an imprint on the sport. Their stories drew warm applause and moments of emotion from the audience, many of whom shared personal connections with the inductees’ journeys.
The evening was expertly emceed by Australian Opal #82 Laura Hodges, whose warmth, humour, and deep love and understanding of the game set the tone for a celebration that honoured legacy and acknowledged the Class of 2025 for paving the way for generations to come.
As the night concluded, the 2025 class stood together, a living testament to the strength and spirit of basketball in South Australia. Their contributions will continue to shape the sport’s future, ensuring that the passion, integrity, and community celebrated tonight remain at the heart of basketball for years to come.
Read more about our Class of 2025 Inductees here
Media Enquiries:
Cindy Halkias
Brand & Communications Manager, Basketball South Australia
E: chalkias@basketballsa.com.au | P: 08 7088 0070
About Basketball South Australia
Basketball South Australia is the peak body for basketball in the state, fostering participation and excellence from grassroots to elite levels. Through competitions, development programs, and community engagement, Basketball SA continues to drive growth and connection through the game.
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.
The 2025 Basketball SA State Championships showcased our elite junior competition, but the event’s success would not have been possible without the dedication of referees, technical officials, and volunteer scorers.
Their commitment to professionalism and integrity throughout the tournament ensured a well-run and competitive environment, allowing players to perform at their best. Their tireless efforts often go unnoticed, but their role is vital to the success of basketball in South Australia.
This year marked a significant step forward in referee development, with the majority of U16 & U18 State Championship games facilitated by three-person officiating crews — a stark contrast to just two years ago, when many matches were run as solos or required SSOs to step onto the court to assist with officiating. This progress underscores the ongoing commitment from Basketball SA to strengthening officiating standards and ensuring a supportive environment for referee growth.
Operations Manager Tom Mitchell expressed his appreciation for their contributions, stating:
“This tournament relies on the dedication of our referees, officials, and volunteers. Their passion and commitment are what keep the game thriving, and we are incredibly grateful for their hard work.”
Referee and Technical Officials Manager Vanessa Devlin also acknowledged their impact, stating:
“I would like to thank the referees and referee coaches for their tireless efforts throughout the year, especially during the State Championships. Being a referee is a hard and thankless job, but I can see how hard they have worked and was impressed with their efforts and teamwork. I’m very proud of what they have achieved so far, and I look forward to working with all referees and referee coaches moving forward.”
Congratulations to all referees who officiated throughout the 2025 State Championships, with particular recognition for those who stepped onto the court for the Grand Finals and the 3v4 Play Off games. These high-stakes matchups required composure, precision, and teamwork, and our officials rose to the challenge, demonstrating professionalism and a deep commitment to the game. Their efforts ensured a fair and competitive environment, allowing the athletes to shine while upholding the integrity of the championships.
Basketball SA remains committed to providing a safe and respectful environment where referees can learn, grow, and develop, ensuring the continued improvement of officiating standards at all levels of the game. This progress would not be possible without the ongoing support from clubs, whose contributions help foster positive experiences for officials at every stage of their journey.
Basketball SA extends a heartfelt thank you to all who played a role in the 2025 State Championships. Their commitment to the game and the community continues to strengthen basketball across the state.
Under 12 Grand Finals Referees
Under 14 Grand Finals Referees
Under 16 Grand Finals Referees
Under 18 Grand Finals Referees
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 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
