NBL announce new Indigenous Player Rule in a bid to create more opportunities

Pioneer Nate Jawai has endorsed the NBL’s Indigenous salary cap rule, saying it will be a gamechanger to basketball in Australia.

NBL pioneer Nate Jawai has endorsed the league’s new Indigenous Player Rule, declaring the initiative will unlock the nation’s untapped talent.

The NBL has announced new plans to make Indigenous players exempt from the salary cap if they’ve come through a club’s development program.

The league unveiled its Indigenous Player Rule on Tuesday, which will encourage clubs to recruit eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players in a bid to increase representation of Indigenous peoples, retain talent and develop genuine pathways to the elite level.

The NBL's Indigenous Round will take place across Round 14-15, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players receiving greater opportunities under its Indigenous Player Rule.https://t.co/oGQbREHRL7

— The NBL (@NBL) February 21, 2022

Jawai, a proud Torres Strait Islander who has worked tirelessly to inspire his people since making his debut in 2007, believes the league’s new Indigenous Player Rule can be a gamechanger.

“I’m really pleased to see that the NBL are introducing genuine Indigenous pathways moving forward,” Jawai said.

“There is a lot of untapped Aboriginal and Torres Strait talent in this country and all sports codes have a responsibility to reduce the barrier to entry for them, and actively pursue their potential.

“Hopefully, this is a step closer to that.”

Sydney Kings guard Biwali Bayles showing off the Kings' Indigenous Round singlet. Picture: Sam Tolhurst

The NBL will fund 50 per cent of the minimum salary for all eligible Development Players.

If an eligible player is fully contracted in his first, second or third year, they will be exempt from the calculation of that club’s aggregate salaries for the purposes of the salary cap.

For those same players but in their fourth, fifth or sixth year, a 50 per cent exemption will apply for the purposes of salary cap calculations

In order to qualify for these benefits, the contracting club must have adopted an organisational cultural safety program approved by the League

Sydney’s Biwali Bayles and Melbourne‘s William Hickey are signed under the rule.

NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger says the league is determined to provide a stable pathway for Australia’s Indigenous talent to shine.

“We endeavour to ensure that our work being done in the Indigenous space leads to meaningful, impactful, stable and tangible benefits for Indigenous basketballers all around the country,” Loeliger said of next week’s Indigenous Round, with all 10 clubs to don specially designed singlets.

“As part of our RAP, we are committed to creating genuine pathways and opportunities for Indigenous players. The Indigenous Player Rule is the first step in that journey, and we have already seen talented youngsters like Biwali Bayles and William Hickey recruited to NBL clubs since putting these measures in place.

Cairns Taipans big man Nate Jawai has been a pioneer for his Indigenous people. Picture: Brendan Radke

“We will continue to explore more ways to help strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander player recruitment, retention and professional development.

“Basketball has been blessed with numerous Indigenous icons and we celebrate them during Indigenous Round, while helping pave the way for the next wave of superstars.”

There are currently six Indigenous players in the NBL, including Biwali Bayles (Sydney Kings), William Hickey (Melbourne United), William McDowell-White (New Zealand Breakers), Keanu Pinder (Cairns Taipans), Nate Jawai (Cairns) and Tamuri Wigness (Brisbane Bullets). Taipans assistant coach, Kerry Williams, is also Indigenous.

One of the NBL’s most successful Indigenous players, Patty Mills, is now starring on the NBA stage with the Brooklyn Nets. Mills was one of the flag bearers for Australia at the Tokyo Olympics where he led the Boomers to a historic bronze medal.

NBL Indigenous Round will be staged across Rounds 14-15 of the season and will celebrate, recognise, and acknowledge Indigenous culture across Australia and New Zealand.

Indigenous Round will tip-off on Friday March 4 when the Adelaide 36ers host the South East Melbourne Phoenix at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Jacqui Dover was the league’s first-ever female Indigenous referee. Picture: Lachie Millard

Following the success of previous Indigenous Rounds, all clubs will wear uniforms designed by local artists. The jerseys are on sale now from nblstore.com.au.

NBL referees will wear special Indigenous uniforms, designed by Jacqui Dover, the League’s first ever female Indigenous referee.

A unique basketball will be used during Indigenous Round games, incorporating the painting done by artist Chern’ee Sutton during last year’s Indigenous Round.

The Indigenous artwork will be displayed inside the Spalding and NBL logos of the basketball.

All games will commence with either a Welcome to Country or an Acknowledgement of Country and other integrations and activities.

Members of various Indigenous communities from around the country will be invited to games.

“Indigenous Round is an incredibly important occasion,” NBL First Nations and Multicultural Support Liaison, Janelle McQueen said.

“It is a time to celebrate and recognise the indelible mark Indigenous people have left on the sport, but it is also a time to reflect on our past and identify ways we can be better in the future.

“The NBL is already doing an incredible job at opening new doors for Indigenous athletes but there is still plenty of work to be done in the future, work we are committed to doing.”