With all 10 Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League (NBL) Clubs and players converging on Gold Coast for the Blitz, a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) will continue to drive the growth of the NBL for the next two seasons.

The CBA, agreed by the Australian Basketball Players’ Association (ABPA) and NBL earlier this year, has been a foundation of the growth and sustainability for the League, empowering it to be one of the best and most respected professional basketball competitions in the world.

Since 2015/16, the ABPA and NBL have partnered to deliver outcomes for both players, the NBL, and clubs, resulting in:

• Consistent Salary Cap growth;
• Significant Minimum Wage increases;
• Improved insurance coverage for injuries; 
• Record attendances and viewership;
• Successful expansion into new markets; and
• New and improved professional pathways for the next generation of NBL players and fans.

The new CBA continues the upward trajectory of the NBL and includes:

• An increase in the NBL Salary Cap and Floor (minimum Club spend) by 7% in 2023/24 and continued growth between 4% and 7% over the next two Seasons;
• Minimum Wage increases in line with the Salary Cap and Floor;
• A minimum of two Development Players at each club;
• Greater protections incorporated into the Standard Player Contract; and
• NBL and Club contributions to the ABPA’s Wellbeing and Engagement services for players, incorporating mental health, wellbeing, professional and personal development support and advice.
• Flexibility for future League expansion initiatives 

ABPA Chief Executive Jacob Holmes said:

“We’re proud to have built a CBA which has delivered for the players, the NBL and clubs. The CBA has provided significant increases in the Salary Cap, Floor and Minimum Wages for NBL Players since 2015/16, and is also evidenced by the growth and sustainability of the competition and the clubs. 

“The new CBA continues these positive trends, as well as embedding the partnership between the NBL and the players, reflecting the collective ambition we have for the NBL and basketball more broadly in Australia and overseas.
“As the Players’ Association, we work for the players, and their support for each other and the Association has never been stronger. The NBL CBA is testament to that unity and solidarity, and we thank the players, and in particular our Board and Delegates, for their commitment to each other and our game. 

“On behalf of the players, I also thank the NBL and the clubs for this CBA which will deliver for the players and the game, now and over the next two seasons. We’re excited to see what this NBL Season 2023/24 holds.”

NBL Chief Executive Officer David Stevenson said:

“Our League has never been in a stronger position, and we believe this agreement presents significant benefits for all key stakeholders.

“Since Larry and the current regime took over the NBL in 2015/16, we have gone from strength to strength, and through great working relationships and understanding, we have been able to deliver unprecedented growth and opportunity for our players, clubs and fans.

“We look forward to continuing to accelerate the growth of basketball in Australia, and continue the rapid rise of the League.

“On behalf of the NBL, we thank the ABPA and its players, the club owners, and of course the fans who, without their ongoing support, passion and patronage, we wouldn’t be in this position.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the work undertaken by NBL Commissioner, Jeremy Loeliger, and Jacob Holmes, that has enabled us to arrive at this point with a fair and equitable CBA that will help grow our League locally and internationally.”

ABPA Director, NBL Delegate and Adelaide 36ers Captain Mitch McCarron said:

“I’m thrilled that ABPA and the NBL have been able to finalise a new CBA and Standard Playing Contract for implementation this NBL Season 2023/24.

“As the NBL continues to reach new heights, it’s important to continue working to ensure all parties grow together.

“It has been great to see so many players actively engaged in these discussions around the direction of the NBL and supporting the ABPA to deliver this agreement.”

For more information please contact 

Jacob Holmes, CEO
jholmes@australianbasketballers.com.au
0408 854 091

 

About the Australian Basketball Players’ Association

The Australian Basketball Players’ Association (ABPA) was formed in October 2016 from the NBLPA and WNBLPA. It represents the Players in the WNBL, NBL and Boomers and Opals. 

The ABPA’s objective is to grow the game of basketball to improve the conditions for the Players’ and position the Players as genuine partners in shaping the future of Australian. The ABPA’s Board is composed of prominent past players and industry experts in administration and finance, including Chairman Greg O’Neill OAM, and Directors Jenna O’Hea, Laura Hodges, Cayla George, Mitch McCarron, Bert Bargeus, and CEO Jacob Holmes.

Since its establishment, the ABPA has been instrumental in securing improved conditions and wages for basketballers playing in our National Leagues, and national teams the Opals and the Boomers. The ABPA has also established the Wellbeing & Engagement Program, which provides services including work experience, education, financial and mental health support.