A definitive history of the NBL

The National Basketball League (NBL) is Australia’s top-tier professional basketball competition and one of the most respected leagues globally.

Since its inception in 1979, the NBL has played a pivotal role in the growth of basketball in Australia, producing world-class players, fostering a passionate fan base, and elevating the country’s profile in international basketball.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the history of the NBL, from its founding to its resurgence as one of the top professional basketball leagues in the world.

Birth of the NBL: Early years and foundations (1979–1989)

The NBL was established in 1979 by Australian basketball administrator John Raschke, who envisioned creating a national competition for the country’s top basketball talent. Before the NBL, basketball in Australia was primarily a regional sport with various state leagues, but Raschke wanted to unite these teams under a national banner. The league began with 10 teams, featuring clubs from different parts of Australia, including Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Newcastle, and Sydney.

The NBL’s first-ever game was played on February 24, 1979, and by the end of its inaugural season, the St. Kilda Saints had emerged as the first NBL champions. Despite its early success, the league faced several challenges in its early years, particularly around finances, venue availability, and establishing a fan base.

However, the 1980s saw a slow but steady rise in popularity, with the league expanding and gaining traction among Australian sports fans. By 1982, the NBL had introduced a playoff system, and more teams were added, including the Perth Wildcats, who would later become one of the most successful franchises in NBL history. The sport began to receive television coverage, bringing it into homes across the country and slowly building a loyal following.

NBL Boom: A golden era of Australian basketball (1990–1999)

The 1990s are often referred to as the golden era of the NBL, as basketball’s popularity in Australia surged. The rise of basketball in the United States, with the NBA reaching its global peak during the Michael Jordan era, helped fuel interest in the sport down under. The NBL capitalised on this trend, becoming one of Australia’s most-watched professional leagues.

One of the most significant developments during this period was the rise of the Perth Wildcats, who established themselves as a powerhouse franchise by winning their first championship in 1990. Their success throughout the 1990s, including additional titles in 1991 and 1995, helped put basketball on the map in Western Australia and across the nation.

Another key team during this period was the Melbourne Tigers, led by Andrew Gaze, one of Australia’s greatest-ever basketball players. Gaze, a seven-time NBL MVP, was instrumental in raising the profile of the league. He led the Tigers to NBL championships in 1993 and 1997 and became the face of Australian basketball. Gaze’s performances, both in the NBL and internationally with the Australian Boomers, solidified his legacy as a national icon.

This era also saw the Sydney Kings rise to prominence, drawing large crowds in the nation’s biggest city and helping to grow the league’s overall popularity. By the late 1990s, the NBL was enjoying its peak, with packed arenas, solid television deals, and a growing fan base. Teams such as the Adelaide 36ers, Brisbane Bullets, and South East Melbourne Magic also enjoyed periods of success, creating a fiercely competitive and entertaining league.

The Decline: Financial struggles and a changing sports landscape (2000–2010)

Despite the NBL’s success during the 1990s, the early 2000s brought new challenges. The league faced financial difficulties, with several teams struggling to stay afloat. The changing sports landscape in Australia, with the increasing dominance of sports like AFL and rugby, put additional pressure on the NBL to maintain its fan base and commercial appeal.

One of the significant issues during this period was the decline in television viewership and attendance. By the mid-2000s, the league was in a downward spiral, with several teams folding or leaving the competition. The Brisbane Bullets (2008) and the Sydney Kings (2008) both left the league due to financial insolvency, although the Kings would later return.

Despite these challenges, the NBL continued to produce top-level basketball talent. Players such as Shane Heal, Chris Anstey, and Mark Bradtke remained key figures in the league, while several NBL players went on to represent Australia in the Olympics and international competitions.

NBL Resurgence: A new era of growth (2014–Present)

In 2014, the NBL underwent a major transformation under new leadership, with Larry Kestelman, a prominent businessman and basketball enthusiast, acquiring a controlling stake in the league. Kestelman’s vision was to revitalise the NBL by investing in marketing, improving the game-day experience, and re-establishing the league as a premier professional basketball competition in Australia and New Zealand.

One of the key strategies for the NBL’s resurgence was focusing on creating a world-class product both on and off the court. This included improving player salaries, securing better broadcast deals, and enhancing fan engagement through social media and digital platforms. Kestelman also focused on bringing international talent into the league, raising the overall level of competition.

As a result, the NBL began to attract significant attention from international basketball fans. The league’s NBL Next Stars Program, launched in 2018, offered a pathway for top young prospects to play in the NBL before entering the NBA Draft. This program produced notable NBA players such as LaMelo Ball, who played for the Illawarra Hawks before becoming the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, and Josh Giddey, who played for the Adelaide 36ers and was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2021.

The success of the Perth Wildcats and Sydney Kings

Throughout the NBL's history, the Perth Wildcats have remained the most successful team in the league. With a record 10 championships, the Wildcats are renowned for their consistent success and strong fan base. Players such as Bryce Cotton, a four-time NBL MVP, have helped the Wildcats remain perennial contenders, with the team’s success contributing to the league’s growth in Western Australia.

The Sydney Kings, one of the league’s marquee franchises, returned to prominence in the 2010s, winning their fourth championship in 2022. The Kings’ success in Australia’s largest city has been instrumental in drawing national attention to the league, particularly in a market where sports competition is fierce.

NBL Today: A global basketball force

The NBL has firmly re-established itself as one of the top professional basketball leagues in the world. The league now attracts a mix of homegrown and international talent, with former NBA players and rising stars from around the globe joining NBL rosters. Teams like the Melbourne United, Sydney Kings, and Adelaide 36ers continue to compete at the highest level, while the league’s expansion, including the addition of the Tasmania JackJumpers in 2021, has further broadened its appeal.

The NBL’s global reach has been bolstered by preseason games against NBA teams, as well as partnerships with major broadcasters such as ESPN.

These efforts have expanded the league’s visibility, making it an attractive option for international players and fans.

Conclusion

The National Basketball League (NBL) has come a long way since its founding in 1979. From its early struggles to its peak in the 1990s, followed by financial difficulties and a remarkable resurgence in the 2010s, the NBL’s history is a testament to the resilience and passion for basketball in Australia. Today, the NBL is not only Australia’s premier basketball competition but also a key player on the global basketball stage.

As the league continues to grow and evolve, its legacy of producing world-class talent and delivering top-tier basketball entertainment remains stronger than ever.