The Tesla chair and the billionaire aiming to close sport’s gender pay gap

Australia’s longest-running women’s sporting league has received a massive boost with new owners locking in clubs for the next WNBL season and completing a collective bargaining agreement that will see players’ salaries rise.

A record pay deal for Australia’s female basketball stars will keep them at home and playing in a WNBL competition now in the hands of the Tesla chair and a Ukraine-born billionaire.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal a collective bargaining agreement between the players’ association and the new WNBL owners – Australian-based Tesla boss Robyn Denholm and property developer Larry Kestelman – has been agreed and is aimed at closing the sport’s gender pay gap.

While details are yet to be announced, salaries are set to jump from the current average base of $43,000 or $76,000 once benefits such as cars, accommodation and educational fees are factored in.

Robyn Denholm, chair of Tesla and co-WNBL owner, said: “Our ambition is to be a global leader in women’s sport.” Picture: Getty Images

The good news for players coincides with several disgruntled clubs – some that were losing close to $1 million a season – finally falling into line to accept revamped WNBL licences from Denholm and Kestelman for the 2025-26 season starting in October.

The pair have taken control of the WNBL from Basketball Australia in a buyout announced last June and timed to take effect this month.

Seven of the existing eight clubs have confirmed their participation with an Adelaide team still to be locked in.

Leading basketball figures have welcomed developments that will encourage players to stay in Australia rather than looking for offshore opportunities.

“Our commitment to women’s basketball in Australia is unwavering. Our ambition is to be a global leader in women’s sport,” Denholm said.

“A key pillar of that vision is ensuring that female basketball players receive fair and equal compensation for their dedication and talent on the court.”

Opals legend Lauren Jackson applauded the changes.

Opals legend Lauren Jackson, an adviser to the WNBL, added: “We’ve been calling for investment, improvements and change for a long time and change is finally here.

“I’ve been in the game for a long time and I never could have imagined that some of the best business leaders in the country would want to invest and support women’s basketball.”

WNBL CEO Jennie Sager said: “The WNBL is at its strongest when we stand together and I am pleased the clubs share in this vision.

WNBL CEO Jennie Sager said it was a “pivotal moment” for women’s basketball. Picture: Supplied

“The future of the game, our athletes, fans and clubs will continue to remain our top priority as we revitalise Australia’s longest-running women’s league.”

Australian Basketball Players’ Association CEO Jacob Holmes described it as “a pivotal moment for women’s basketball in Australia”.

Originally published as The Tesla chair and the billionaire aiming to close sport’s gender pay gap