The Australian Basketball Players’ Association (ABPA) has joined forces with Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA) to open up opportunities for emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander basketballers to gain greater access to Australia’s most talented players. 

ABPA and IBA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a community partnership, allowing the organisations to collaborate on initiatives that will enable ABPA members, including Australia’s international, NBL and WNBL players, to increase support for the development of Indigenous basketball.

Founded by Australia’s Olympic flag bearer, bronze medallist and NBA champion Patty Mills, IBA is establishing a grass roots pathway to help young Indigenous basketballers thrive on and off the court. 

ABPA CEO Jacob Holmes said it’s a cause that is fully supported by Australia’s elite playing group. 

“We have an enormous amount of respect for IBA and the vision that has been set by Patty Mills and the team to transform the future of Indigenous basketball in Australia,” Mr Holmes said. 

“We are humbled and honoured to have earned the trust of IBA, and I speak for all of our members when I say that we are excited and eager to contribute to crucial programs that will advance Indigenous basketball and see communities positively impacted.”

IBA General Manager of Strategic Initiatives Sally Phillips said: 

“Indigenous Basketball Australia is excited to be partnering with the ABPA. With the backing and support of Australia’s best basketballers, our young Indigenous athletes will benefit from connecting with these role models and gaining first hand experience in understanding that greatness is achievable. Preparing our players for the transition to traditional basketball pathways and life will help place them in a stronger position to achieve excellence through sporting opportunity.”

The first joint program from ABPA and IBA is designed for future leaders, and is set to launch in the coming weeks.