The Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) in Australia is currently at a critical crossroads, as financial struggles and ownership issues threaten the future of the competition. The recent collapse of the Perth Lynx due to mounting financial losses has further exacerbated concerns about the league’s sustainability. This unfortunate development comes on the heels of Collingwood’s decision to relinquish its Suncorp Super Netball franchise, adding to the growing body blows faced by Australian women’s professional sports.

Financial challenges have plagued the WNBL, with the league’s eight clubs collectively losing almost $5 million in the previous season alone. Of particular significance is the fact that the Lynx were the only club owned by a state association, highlighting the extent of the crisis. Basketball Western Australia, the owner of the Perth Lynx license, has been forced to sell the license in an effort to mitigate the mounting debts.

Under pressure

This financial turmoil has put Basketball Australia under increased pressure to reconsider its control of the WNBL, a league it has owned and managed for over four decades. The hope is that by relinquishing control, the league can find alternative solutions and sources of support to ensure its survival.

The plight of the Perth Lynx serves as a sobering reminder of the precariousness of the league’s current state. Players and coaching staff of the team now face an uncertain future as they approach the upcoming 2023/24 WNBL season. The loss of a team not only affects the individuals involved but also has broader implications for the league as a whole.

While the WNBL finds itself mired in financial difficulties, its male counterpart, the National Basketball League (NBL), has experienced a turnaround in recent years, achieving profitability as an independently owned and managed organization. Larry Kestelman, the majority owner of the NBL, has offered to assist Basketball Australia in reviving the WNBL, presenting a potential model for the women’s competition to follow.

Evan Stewart, the acting CEO of Basketball WA, has stressed the importance of the Lynx as a pathway for players. However, the decision to sell the team’s license was necessary to ensure financial stability. Stewart expressed the organisation’s commitment to finding a suitable private investor, partner, or new owner for the Lynx through a thorough process. The goal is to secure the team’s pathway while avoiding the significant losses incurred in recent seasons.

This predicament draws parallels to a similar situation in 2016 when the Bulleen Boomers put their WNBL license up for sale. The lengthy negotiation process led to many top players being off the market during free agency. However, with the eventual transfer of ownership to Tony Hallam and his group, the Boomers secured their future.

Melbourne Boomers

As the Melbourne Boomers prepare for the WNBL grand final series, players like Rebecca Cole, Maddie Garrick, Alice Kunek (now with the Perth Lynx), and Brittany Smart (still with the Boomers) reflect on the uncertainty they faced during the ownership transition. Despite initial apprehension, they have remained loyal to their teams and are determined to play pivotal roles in the upcoming series against the Townsville Fire.

The current state of the WNBL demands swift action and strategic decision-making to ensure the league’s stability and future growth. Efforts to secure financial backing and explore alternative ownership models are crucial for the league to emerge from this crisis. The support of key stakeholders, including Basketball Australia, club owners, and potential investors, will be instrumental in paving the way for a prosperous future for women’s basketball in Australia.

While challenges persist, there is cause for optimism. The recent broadcast deal with Foxtel, which will result in increased television coverage of WNBL games, is a positive development that can help raise the profile of the competition and attract a larger fan base. By capitalizing on such opportunities and securing the necessary support and investment, the WNBL can overcome its current obstacles and continue to provide a platform for the finest women’s basketball talent in Australia.

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