New facility to help deliver WNBL team to Tasmania

• Club CEO Christine Finnegan says the club is "very close" to joining the competition
• A whole of club facility for the Jackjumpers should come online in mid-2026
• The club has been hiring public basketball facilities for the first four years of their existence

The Tasmania JackJumpers have officially commenced construction on their much-anticipated high-performance training centre, marking a significant milestone for the NBL franchise. Ground was broken on Monday, June 16, 2025, at the Kingborough site adjacent to the existing sports centre, signalling the start of a new chapter for Tasmania's basketball community.

WNBL Expansion

In what could potentially be a double celebration for Tasmania basketball, club representatives have indicated that the announcement of the high-performance centre coincides with finalising plans for a Tasmanian WNBL team.

"We are very, very close to joining that competition, and I'm hoping to have something finalised this week," Finnegan stated, highlighting the advanced stage of negotiations. "I'm very pleased that it enjoys bipartisan support here in Tasmania, and for me it's now just a matter of a couple more boxes to be ticked with the WNBL, and then hopefully some announcement in the next few weeks."

This development represents another significant step forward for basketball in Tasmania. The addition of a WNBL team would create new opportunities for female athletes and further embed the sport in the state's sporting culture.

Importantly, Finnegan confirmed that the new high-performance centre has been designed with both men's and women's teams in mind. This forward-thinking approach ensures that all athletes will have access to equivalent facilities and resources, promoting gender equality in Tasmanian basketball.

The potential WNBL expansion aligns perfectly with the construction of the new facility, as both initiatives contribute to the growth and development of basketball in Tasmania.

End of an era uncertainty

For the past four seasons, the JackJumpers have faced considerable challenges regarding court availability. Since their inception into the National Basketball League, the team has been operating without a permanent home, forced to hire public facilities for training and operations. This nomadic existence has created logistical hurdles for players, coaches, and staff, who have had to adapt to varying schedules and facilities.

Despite these challenges, the JackJumpers have demonstrated remarkable resilience, establishing themselves as a competitive force in the NBL, having won the 2024 NBL title. Their ability to overcome these logistical hurdles speaks volumes about the club's determination and commitment to basketball in Tasmania.

The commencement of construction marks the beginning of a transformative period for the JackJumpers. The Fairbrother-contracted project is set to deliver a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as the central hub for all club operations.

The new high-performance centre has been designed with the future in mind. It will feature modern training courts, advanced strength and conditioning facilities, recovery areas, medical rooms, and office spaces for administrative staff. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of player development and club management can occur within a single, purpose-built environment.

Perhaps most importantly, the new facility will create a sense of permanence and identity for the JackJumpers. Having a physical home base reinforces the club's presence in the Tasmanian community and provides a tangible symbol of their commitment to basketball in the region.

Timeline and expectations

According to current projections, the high-performance centre is scheduled for completion in mid-2026.

During the construction phase, the club will continue to operate as they have since their inception, utilising public facilities for training and games.