The community impact of the National Basketball League (NBL) is set to soar with the launch of NBL Assists – a brand new initiative designed to connect communities, facilitate social equity, and enable and inspire the next generation of basketball talent from around Australia.

In collaboration with the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF), the NBL Assists framework is premised upon four key pillars: facilitating Equality and Cohesion, supporting NBL Clubs and Players, strengthening and promoting Basketball Pathways, and creating more Opportunities to Play Basketball.

“As one of Australia’s most successful and visible professional sporting leagues, we have a responsibility to the community to use our platform to drive positive change and make a significant difference to communities around the country,” NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said.

“NBL Assists will help create community-based programs with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, while also providing our players with a platform to influence and deliver positive, impactful change.

“We are excited to have an official platform to foster and promote the immense efforts of our players and clubs in their communities, and we look forward to building sustainable and scalable programs that people from all walks of life can participate in.

“Basketball is one of the most played sports in Australia, and it is essential we make it accessible to all, to support its growth and give everyone a chance to experience it.”

NBL Assists will span all of the League’s properties, including but not limited to NBL1, 3x3Hustle and NBL Oz Gaming.

“We’re delighted to partner with the NBL to help raise funds in support of the NBL Assists program,” Patrick Walker, CEO Australian Sports Foundation, said.

“It’s inspiring to see the NBL fully recognising the social and community benefits of sports participation and its positive impact on health and community cohesion, and through this program, donors will have the opportunity to support inclusion and participation in basketball.

“Another focus area for NBL Assists is pathways, which is crucial in ensuring that talented athletes have the opportunity to fulfil their potential irrespective of their socio-economic circumstances.”

More information on NBL Assists will be made available soon.