Music boss Jennie Sager named WNBL CEO

Australian Women in Music Awards chair Jennie Sager is the next Chief Executive Officer of the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL).

Wollemi Capital Group Syndicate (WCGS) and the National Basketball League (NBL) announced the appointment on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 7am.

"This is an exciting step in building a strong and promising future for the WNBL and women’s sports in Australia," Wollemi Capital Group Syndicate founder Robyn Denholm said.

"We look forward to working with Jennie and the team as we prepare for the 25/26 season to re-launch the WNBL and elevate women’s basketball across Australia."

Sager is globally recognised leader in the entertainment, media, and technology sectors. She has been the Global Head of Brand and Consumer Marketing at Nextdoor since 2022, before that holding the role as Managing Director between February 2019 and October 2022.

Her appointment follows the acquisition WNBL by WCGS and the NBL on April 2, 2025.

"The WNBL represents the pinnacle of women’s basketball in Australia, and I am honoured to take on this role," Sager said.

"I look forward to building on the League’s impressive legacy, listening to and learning from our talented players, dedicated teams, supporters, and key stakeholders, and finding new ways to connect with basketball fans across the country and the globe.

"Together, we will work to further the WNBL’s reputation as a premier destination for women’s basketball while driving greater representation and success for women in sport."

Sager’s revealed her goals for the WNBL are to strengthening community connections, building meaningful partnerships to ensure financial sustainability, elevating support for players as professional athletes, and driving digital innovation to grow local and global audiences.

In her LinkedIn Profile, Sager says: "As a pragmatic leader, I prioritise transparency, empathy, and honesty, recognising their crucial role in fostering collaborative relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. These values enable me to lay the foundation for long-term success and sustained growth."

Sager was appointed through an extensive international search by Elevate Talent. She starts January 2, 2025.

"Jennie brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to this position. Her expertise at the intersection of technology, audience engagement, and platforms makes her uniquely positioned to bring a fresh, strategic perspective to the WNBL," WCGS Executive Director Victoria Denholm said.

"Jennie’s appointment signals a bold new direction for the WNBL and its clubs," NBL CEO David Stevenson added.

"Under her guidance, we are confident the WNBL will achieve greater visibility, inspire the next generation, and reach new heights on and off the court. Her ability to foster meaningful partnerships and amplify the stories of our athletes will ensure the WNBL thrives in an increasingly competitive sports market."

Basketball Australia will continue to oversee the 2024-25 WNBL season and operations until April 1, 2025, before the League transitions to WCGS and the NBL.

Basketball Australia retains a minority stake in the WNBL.