Bendigo’s basketball legacy grows stronger

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Victorian country town Bendigo — the home town of NBA star Dyson Daniels and his rising star brother Dash — will be the epicentre of Australian Under-16 basketball until 2027.

Basketball Australia said Bendigo had secured the Foot Locker Under-16 National Championships for the next two years after delivering the 2025 tournament this year.

"There’s something really special about the way Bendigo embraces basketball," former Australian Opals captain Tess Madgen said.

“She Hoops is all about connection, confidence, and showing women and girls that there’s a place for them in basketball at every level.

"Running a She Hoops clinic in conjunction with the National Championships this year was an incredible experience.

"It sold out within 48 hours, which really speaks to the passion and enthusiasm within the community.

“We can’t wait to build on that success and look at running an even bigger event when we return to Bendigo, as She Hoops continues to grow and inspire more women and girls across Australia.”

The tournament is a financial boon for Bendigo, 150km north of Melbourne, injecting more than $4 million into the local economic, drawing more than 3,000 visitors and  28,000 visitor nights during the week-long competition.

Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Matt Scriven said: “Our partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo and Victorian Government in recent years has seen the Championships go from strength to strength, attracting more athletes, supporters and opportunities for young players each year.

“It’s a great example of what can be achieved when local communities and sport work together, with the event continuing to deliver enormous benefits for regional areas while giving our most promising young athletes the chance to compete in an elite environment.

“These athletes are the future of our sport, and extending this partnership allows us to continue providing opportunities for them to grow, develop and succeed.”

The Championships invite the best under-16 boys’ and girls’ teams from every Australian state and territory.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said: “The City is delighted to secure the Under-16 National Championships over the next two years, building on our region’s rich basketball legacy and passion for the sport,” she said.

“We’ll be welcoming more than 3,000 players, families, and officials from across the country at our outstanding facilities at Red Energy Arena during the championships in 2026 and 2027.

“These exciting competitions will also be a great opportunity for national competitors to make the most of their stay in Greater Bendigo.”