Basketball Victoria is proud to announce a new partnership with RSL Victoria for the 2024 and 2025 NBL1 South seasons. RSL Victoria will be the official Referee Partner of the NBL1 South competition for this period, a feature of which will be a collaboration through the NBL1 South ANZAC Round that takes place from Wednesday 24th April to Sunday 28th April.

The synergy between Basketball Victoria and RSL Victoria is evident, with both organisations having a strong focus on community and healthy participation in sport and recreation. Basketball and the NBL1 South competition can’t occur without the referees and the support of RSL Victoria will allow Basketball Victoria to continue to improve the education and development of the referees. This collaboration goes beyond the court, resonating with the principles and values of RSL Active, a program designed by RSL Victoria to support the physical health and wellbeing of veterans and their families.

RSL Victoria and Basketball Victoria recognise the importance of fostering healthy and positive lifestyles, promoting overall health and wellbeing among their respective communities.

One feature of this partnership will take place through NBL1 South ANZAC Round, when referees will wear a blue version of the Australian Multicam camouflage design within their uniform. This collaboration aims to strengthen the bond between the basketball community through Basketball Victoria’s member associations and local RSL communities.

With RSL Victoria’s renowned reputation, Basketball Victoria via the NBL1 South competition aims to connect its clubs with local RSL communities, creating an environment of community engagement. The coming together of the RSL Victoria and Basketball Victoria communities is also expected to support RSL Victoria’s efforts within the ANZAC Appeals of 2024 and 2025. Funds from the ANZAC Appeal are channelled towards supporting veterans and their families when they transition back into civilian life, and this partnership underlines the collective responsibility to remember and commemorate those who have served and continue to serve our nation.

Tom Baxter, interim CEO of RSL Victoria, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating:

"We are thrilled to join forces with Basketball Victoria in support of RSL Victoria, the ANZAC Appeal and RSL Active. We share common ground in fostering positive attitudes towards physical and mental wellbeing and skill acquisition, making this collaboration truly meaningful."

Tom Baxter

Nick Honey, BV CEO, expressed his gratitude, stating, "Having RSL Victoria as our conference partner is a massive vote of confidence in the league. I thank RSL Victoria and Rebecca Berg, Executive General Manager Fundraising, Marketing & Communications, for having the vision in partnering with Basketball Victoria, the show of support for the NBL1 South competition and specifically their support of our referees.”

Get ready for an action-packed season as the 2024 Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 South season tips off on Wednesday, 3rd April.

Let the games begin!