How NBL1 is elevating women’s basketball in Australia

• NBL1 is stacked with some of Australia's best women's basketball players
• NBL1 is Australia's semi-professional basketball league
• How to watch every 2025 NBL1 game LIVE and FREE

NBL1 has positioned itself as a critical league for growth, development, and professionalism in the sport at a pivotal time where there are more eyeballs on the sport than ever before.

Women's basketball is booming across North America and the rebranded WNBL will tip off later this year and as Australia’s premier semi-professional competition, NBL1 serves as both a proving ground for emerging talent and a home for seasoned players trying to extend their careers.

From rising stars to veteran athletes, NBL1 offers unparalleled opportunities.

Young players are fast-tracked in their development through exposure to elite competition and mentorship from seasoned professionals.

Former WNBA and WNBL players have found a way to prolong their careers while also exploring roles beyond the court, such as media and coaching positions.

NBL1 General Manager Dean Anglin deeply understands the role the league plays and was quick to praise its ability to provide opportunities.

“NBL1 provides an environment where both youth and experience thrive side by side,” Anglin said.

“This balance is essential as the professionalism of women’s basketball continues to rise.

"Players who previously ventured overseas for offseason play are now choosing to stay home, benefiting from the high-quality competition NBL1 provides.”

The start of the 2025 season has already been filled with standout performances.

Anneli Maley remains dominant, averaging an astounding 20 rebounds per game in NBL1 West.

Meanwhile, Miela Sowah is lighting it up in NBL1 North, averaging 37 points per game, and Jessie May-Hall has proven her versatility in NBL1 East, ranking among the league leaders in scoring, steals, and assists.

For a league that exists to ensure continued development and growth for both men and women playing high-level basketball, having big name players across the country is important.

“Some of the outstanding performances we have already seen in 2025 highlight the growing competitiveness of the league and reinforce its reputation as a premier destination for top-tier athletes,” Anglin added.

Star power has always had an undeniable impact on basketball, and NBL1 is no exception.

Whether it’s Shaneice Swain, Maley and Shyla Heal — who each fought for spots in the WNBA during 2025 training camps — these elite athletes bring increased viewership, media attention, and fan engagement.

Their presence elevates the league and enhances its national profile, making it more attractive to sponsors, clubs, and future talent.

Beyond their on-court performances, these players connect deeply with fans, signing autographs, taking selfies, and engaging with young athletes in ways that inspire the next generation.

Their involvement in NBL1 ensures that grassroots basketball continues to flourish alongside the professional game.

“NBL1’s success is imperative to not only the future of the WNBL, but the ongoing growth of the women’s game in Australia, we know that, and the NBL and NBL1 are committed to making sure it is a priority,” Anglin said.

What is also important to identify if that with rising talent and greater visibility come new challenges. Clubs must continuously improve facilities, providing professional-grade environments that meet the expectations of elite athletes.

Marrying expectations of high-level players, and the professionalism elite players have come to expect is a big part of what the NBL1 is committing to.

Wage structures and financial sustainability are also key considerations as teams look to retain top talent while managing resources effectively.

From a logistical standpoint, recruiting WNBA-calibre players and maintaining a steady pipeline of talent requires careful coordination. Whether drawing players back to their hometowns or introducing them as marquee signings, NBL1 remains committed to fostering a high-level competition.

“Signings such as Agnes Emma-Nnopu straight out of NCAA March Madness play with Texas Christian University (TCU) to the Knox Raiders (NBL1 South), they add more than just star power on the court,” said Anglin.

“They demand attention. They bring new eyes to the league.”

The WNBL rebrand signals a new chapter in Australian women’s basketball. But as Anglin points out, NBL1 is a critical pathway — boasting 70 women’s teams that provide invaluable playing opportunities nationwide.

This ongoing development directly impacts the WNBL’s future and strengthens Australia’s connection to the global game, including the increasingly popular WNBA.

“Players are starting to realise that there is a place here — at home, across all parts of the country — where they can come and play some really good basketball,” Anglin said.

“They’re in an environment now that potentially keeps the door ajar for another crack at the WNBA.”

NBL1’s media strategy has also been instrumental in ensuring equal visibility for both men’s and women’s competitions. Since its inception, the league has worked to balance coverage, significantly increasing its viewership and engagement. This approach solidifies NBL1’s role as a driving force in Australian basketball.

“We’re really proud of that,” Anglin said.

“Our people have and continue to work tirelessly, across the NBL, NBL1 and the WNBL, to make sure we’re giving the women’s game the airtime and recognition it deserves. That’s been a staple for NBL1, and we’re seeing it become common practice now across not just basketball, but women’s sports more broadly.”

As women’s basketball continues to evolve, NBL1 stands as the backbone of the sport in Australia. It is more than just a league — it is a platform for growth, a home for talent, and a bridge to greater opportunities.

With high-calibre athletes, a growing fan base, and an unwavering commitment to development, NBL1 is shaping the future of women’s basketball here in our own backyard.