Two favourable parties emerge as Basketball Australia edges closer to a critical WNBL sale

The historically critical sale of Australia’s oldest women’s sporting competition will soon reach its climax as potential buyers are suiting up to take over the WNBL.

The WNBL sale is down to the “pointy end”, with two favourable parties battling to take on a percentage of Australia’s oldest women’s sporting competition.

The NBL, headed by owner Larry Kestelman and potentially Sydney Kings majority owner Robyn Denholm, are currently deep in negotiations with Basketball Australia about taking on a significant slice of the WNBL.

This masthead can also reveal another party with strong overseas connections has entered the race to assume a control of Australia’s women’s league.

It’s understood at least two other parties may enter calculations, but for now it’s looming as a two-horse race for part ownership of the WNBL.

Basketball Australia CEO Matt Scriven told this masthead a deal to secure a bright future for the foundation women’s league was edging closer.

“We’re making great progress,” Scriven said.

Who will take over the WNBL? Picture: Getty Images

“This process has been in place for over 12 months now and it’s really important that we get that process right.

“It’s such an exciting time for women’s basketball, and particularly here in Australia, and we’re absolutely focused on ensuring that the WNBL really thrives for the next 40 to 50 years and continues to grow at a greater rate along with other women’s sports in Australia.

“We know the product is exceptional and the quality of basketball that is played by the girls is absolutely outstanding.

“So, there is an opportunity to really elevate the game off the court and create great fan experiences in the promotion of the league and the girls that play.

“We’re excited about where it can be and that is a great thing for the WNBL and women’s sport in general and it’s great to see so much interest.”

The NBL is viewed as a natural fit to join forces with the WNBL given the existing links between the two competitions.

The Sydney Kings and Flames operate under the one franchise, while the Wildcats and Lynx are set to follow suit via media magnate owner Craig Hutchison.

The men and women are also streamlined via the second tier NBL1 competition, which is played nationally.

Australian basketball history will be created in September with all @NBL and @WNBL clubs coming together in Perth for a landmark HoopsFest to launch the season and capitalise on the growth of the game. @codebballau 🏀https://t.co/Np7vfaEP5g

— Matt Logue (@mattlogue7) May 23, 2024

According to NBL CEO David Stevenson, last week’s ‘HoopsFest’ collaboration with the WNBL is also proof of the two parties already working in unison.

“I think examples of the (HoopsFest) show what you can do when you bring the whole sport together.

“I don’t think there is a more important priority for us than how we unify the sport.

“That gives us a lot of confidence that wherever we end up with the WNBL, and if it does come together, then you can do amazing things like the HoopsFest collaboration.

“But most importantly for all the fans, participants and players all feel like they are part of one family.

“For a long time we’ve said that we’d love to help out the WNBL in whatever way, because we believe frankly that the power of the sport grows, then we will get a good share in the NBL.”

Originally published as Two favourable parties emerge as Basketball Australia edges closer to a critical WNBL sale