NBL and WNBL celebrate Indigenous Round

The rich history, culture and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will once again be celebrated as the Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League (NBL) and the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) tip off Indigenous Round this week.

The round highlights the powerful connection between basketball and First Nations communities, with every club proudly wearing jerseys designed by local Indigenous artists, telling stories that honour heritage, identity and the shared spirit of the game.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW NBL INDIGENOUS ROUND JERSEYS

CLICK HERE TO VIEW WNBL INDIGENOUS ROUND JERSEYS

NBL Group CEO David Stevenson said the round was one of the most meaningful on the calendar, as it celebrates culture, storytelling and the players and officials who inspire future generations.

“Indigenous Round continues to remind us that sport has the power to unite and educate,” Stevenson said.

“Through the art, the stories and the visibility of incredible First Nations players, referees and leaders, we’re helping to create role models who inspire the next generation to dream big and believe in what’s possible.”

The NBL continues to strengthen its commitment to reconciliation through its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which focuses on meaningful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the creation of more pathways and opportunities across all levels of the game.

A specially designed Spalding basketball will again be used throughout Indigenous Round, featuring artwork titled “Flowing Unity” by proud Wiradjuri man Luke Penrith.

The artwork represents the rivers, creeks and waterways which, like basketball, connect and enhance communities across Australia.

WNBL and NBL referees will also wear Indigenous uniforms during the round and throughout the season.

NBL referees will wear a design by Abe Knox and Nathan Patterson, the "Yeeram Nyoo - Just One More Day" design, which has been used for Indigenous jerseys and merchandise to honour Abe Knox and raise awareness for youth mental health.

The design is a tribute to Knox, who passed away in 2020.

WNBL referees will be wearing a design by Kirby Bently, “The mark we leave, the role we play,” which tells the story of the players of the game, both past and present, with animals from water, land and sky standing over everyone throughout the season.

WNBL Chief Executive Officer Jennie Sager said:

“The WNBL is proud to celebrate the incredible contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to our game and our communities.

"This year’s Indigenous Round is especially meaningful as we unveil our inaugural Indigenous Artwork, a powerful piece that reflects the unity, connection and strength of women’s basketball across Australia.

"It’s a reminder that our game is for everyone, and that through sport, we can continue to learn, listen and grow together.”

This year, the WNBL has worked closely with proud Noongar woman Kirby Bently to bring to life an artwork to represent the league, players and communities.

“Moorditj Djookians – The mark we leave, the role we play,” tells the story of the players, past and present, and the game.

The three layers of colours, light purple, teal and dark purple, represent the past, present and future of every club’s journey.

The flowing shapes represent the Country lands where games are played, with animals from the water, land and sky standing as protectors and watching over everyone during the season.

The kangaroo footprints symbolise each player leaving their mark across the game, creating a path for future generations, while the teal meeting places represent each club’s home court where teams come together to play, compete and connect.

INDIGENOUS ROUND 2025 – OPENING GAMES

Hungry Jack’s NBL – Thursday, October 23
New Zealand Breakers vs Brisbane Bullets – 5:30pm AEDT (Spark Arena)
South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Sydney Kings – 7:30pm AEDT (John Cain Arena)

‍Tickets are available to all NBL games now at nbl.com.au

WNBL – Friday, October 24
Sydney Flames vs Southside Melbourne Flyers – 7:00pm AEDT (Quaycentre)

‍Tickets are available to all WNBL games now at wnbl.com.au

Both the NBL and WNBL Indigenous Round will be broadcast live on ESPN, giving fans the opportunity to share in the celebration of First Nations culture and basketball’s connection to Country.

Special Indigenous Round jerseys are available now from the NBL Store and WNBL Store.