Last week marked the re-launch of Wheelchair Basketball Australia’s 2024 National Wheelchair Basketball League (NWBL) and Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball League (WNWBL), endorsed by Basketball Australia.
The NWBL and WNWBL have rich history, dating back to 1988 and 2000 respectively, which historically has been a pathway for elite athletes to compete against the best in the world, and be an avenue for people with a disability to represent and excel in the sport.
It is shaping up to be an especially thrilling winter for wheelchair basketball nationwide, marked by the relaunch of the NWBL and WNWBL, the 2024 GTK Waratah Wheelchair League (Powered by Spalding), and the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Many of Australia’s national talent will be taking part in the national leagues, providing important opportunities for wheelchair basketball teams, and supporting the future success of players coming through the development system.
The NWBL had its first round last weekend, featuring two NSW teams, who came up against each other in the league’s opening weekend. The Manly Wheel Eagles are debuting into the national league, and their NSW counterparts, the Wollongong Rollerhawks, are making a return – with seven titles under their belt since their 2001 entrance into the league. Round 2 this weekend will see the Wollongong Rollerhawks take on the Darwin Salties in NSW at the Shellharbour City Stadium, whilst the Manly Roller Eagles face the Perth Wheelcats at Bendat Basketball Centre in WA.
Meanwhile, Round 1 of the WNWBL is set to take place this weekend, with the two NSW teams (out of the four total teams) scheduled to go face-to-face in the opening weekend at Parramatta Basketball Stadium. Sydney Uni Flames are a foundational team of the league, having participated since the 2000 inception of the league (as the Hills Hornets), and have since garnered 10 championships under their belt. Although there has always been a two-team presence in Sydney, the Blues debuted in 2016 and have since also earned themselves a championship title.
Adding to the excitement is the inclusion of five NSW referees selected to officiate the NWBL and WNWBL seasons, marking a great achievement for officials in the state. The officiating panels were announced in a pre-season meeting by Matt Wells, one of the most respected officials in wheelchair basketball in the world, and a Basketball NSW Hall of Fame member.
Basketball NSW would like to wish the officials a huge congratulations to the officials listed below, who will be showcasing their skills and dedication on the national stage:
- Alexander Palmer – Hills Hornets
- Freddy Ng – Newcastle Falcons
- Liam Flanagan – Bankstown Bruins
- Logan Bilby – Sydney Comets
- Matthew Chau – Sydney Comets
Basketball NSW extends its best wishes to all teams and officials for the 2024 season! For more information on the NWBL and WNWBL, including match previews, live-streaming and results, please visit WBA’s official website.