Basketball is more than just a sport—it’s a movement gaining unstoppable momentum nationwide – especially here in NSW. Basketball remains Australia’s second preferred team sport, according to AusPlay data, with over 1.3 million participants nationally.
In NSW, basketball is the second most-played team sport after soccer and ranks 9th most popular activity, engaging 393,377 participants.
Basketball NSW, CEO Maria Nordstrom, shared her excitement of the progress of basketball in the state:
“Basketball isn’t just growing; it’s becoming a lifestyle for Australians of all ages. We’re thrilled with the growth in NSW, which we see reflected across our 83 affiliated associations statewide. This growth highlights basketball’s unique power to bring people together, fostering both athleticism and community spirit,” Nordstrom said.
With over 88,000 participants aged 18-24, basketball in NSW has become a social staple for young adults, combining fitness, community, and excitement. Additionally, with 20% of participants under 14, the sport has a bright future, and the increase in female players of 26% underscores basketball’s growing inclusivity.
According to our 2023 Annual Report, basketball saw an 11% increase in registered participants and a 15% growth in recognised participants—a trend that has continued since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. (Explore the full report HERE.)
“We’re incredibly grateful to the thousands of volunteers who dedicate their time to basketball week after week. The basketball community is our foundation, and we couldn’t achieve this growth without them,” Nordstrom added.
Basketball topped the list as the most popular sport in NSW’s Sporting Schools program in 2023, a program that brings sports to children free of charge during school hours.
One of the primary challenges we face is the shortage of facilities. In NSW alone, we are about 300 courts short, across both metropolitan and regional areas, leaving tens of thousands of participants without places to play.
Basketball NSW is collaborating with Basketball Australia and other state bodies on a national facilities strategy to address this shortage.
“The sport is booming, and we urgently need more courts to meet demand,” Nordstrom said.
The latest report provided by AusPlay includes data collected from July 2023 to June 2024. 40000+ adults (aged 15 and older) completed the survey. Some respondents are also parents, so data were also collected for around 8,800 children aged 14 and under.
AusPlay’s upcoming Sport and Physical Activity Reports will offer deeper insights into the sporting landscape, fueling further growth for basketball and providing a roadmap for the future. Click HERE to explore the full AusPlay basketball report and discover the factors fueling basketball’s incredible growth for the period of 2015-2023.
With basketball’s popularity at an all-time high, Basketball NSW is committed to expanding access, inspiring youth, and championing a welcoming, inclusive sports environment for all.