Basketball Qld: USC Rip announce withdrawal from NBL1 North in 2024

One of Australia’s elite state basketball leagues is in the middle of a major shake up after the withdrawal of two associations from the competition for next season. FIND OUT WHY

RedCity, who were withdrawn from the NBL1 North by Basketball Queensland, competing against USC Rip City in 2023. Picture: B.Rad Sports Photography.

One of Australia’s elite state basketball leagues is in the middle of a major shake up after the withdrawal of two associations from the competition for next season.

Basketball Queensland last week announced RedCity Roar would not compete in the NBL1 North in 2024, citing the club being unable to meet certain criteria, including financial commitments, as the reason for pulling the Redlands-based club.

But there was more shock amongst the basketball community this week after the University of Sunshine Coast Basketball Club, known as the USC Rip City, announced they would withdraw from the NBL1 North for at least a season.

USC Rip City during the 2022 NBL1 finals. Picture: Jack Riddiford.

USC Rip City posted the announcement on social media on October 5, saying they will now focus on putting the resources towards building the rest of the club with the hope of re-entering the league in 2025.

“As a result, all our resources are now able to be channelled back into our QSL, QSLYL, representative competitions and club basketball to help build the strength of these teams for years to come,” the post said.

USC Rip City women's basketball player Liisa Ups. Picture: Jack Riddiford.

“This decision will come as a bitter blow to everyone at the association closely associated with the NBL1 Program which includes our coaches, players, officials, volunteers, sponsors, and fans alike.

“We would like to thank all those people involved and encourage them to stay with us and help us refocus our energy into the areas described and see this association build into the formidable force we know it can be.

USC Rip City star player Verle Williams. Picture: Jack Riddiford.

“The Committee and General Manager would also like thank the players involved in our NBL1 program and encourage them also to be ready come 2025.”

USC Rip City first made the leap to compete in the state’s top league, formerly known as the QBL, in 2016 and have been a part of the NBL1 North since its inception in 2021.

NBL1 North Grand Final Game 2 in 2022. Gold Coast Rollers v USC Rip City. Pic Mike Batterham

The club has been a regular feature in finals, especially in the men’s competition with USC Rip making it all the way to the grand final in 2022.

The north is known as one of the stronger conferences of the NBL1 competition Australia-wide with the league to now move to 14 teams.

Despite the loss of two associations within a week, Basketball Queensland CEO Joshua Pascoe said the NBL1 North would remain an elite conference.

‘The non-participation around these two associations within the league in 2024 has been in discussions over several weeks and Basketball Queensland believes that the outcome is the best for the two associations and their members and the league for 2024,” he said.

“The NBL1 North and its precursor, the QBL, has long been one of, if not the pre-eminent state league in Australia, which has occurred while the league has had anywhere from eight through to 16 teams.”

Originally published as Basketball Qld: USC Rip announce withdrawal from NBL1 North in 2024