NBL Champion Pride Round returns

The NBL Champion Pride Round is set to return for its third season, with the NBL further emphasising inclusivity and celebrating diversity within basketball.
 
The NBL Champion Pride Round is a collaborative partnership between the NBL, Champion, Pride in Sport and the Queer Sporting Alliance (QSA), which aims to show meaningful allyship and improve the understanding of the barriers impacting the LGBTQ+ community in sport.
 
“It means a lot to me and the LGBTQ+ community to see the NBL’s Champion Pride Round continue to thrive as it enters its third year,” Adelaide 36ers star Isaac Humphries said.
 
“When I made my decision to come out, I did so not only to live a life out of hiding, but also to help make basketball a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for the community. As this round continues to evolve, I hope everyone is feeling more comfortable to be themselves around the sport.
 
“It can’t be underestimated how important active allyship is to everyone in the community. That allyship and support helps generate safer environments for everyone, and it’s paramount that we all continue on this journey.
 
“I’m very proud to play in a league that continues to publicly celebrate and support my community. The representation and active allyship is greatly appreciated, especially in environments that previously haven’t always felt the most welcoming."
 
Champion, the naming rights sponsor since the inaugural NBL Champion Pride Round, will have its Champion Pride Progress flag x ‘C’ logo on the court for all NBL Champion Pride Round games, while players have the choice to wear jerseys featuring the same logo. Players, coaches, and staff have participated in their third year of Pride in Sport training, with the theme of this year’s training being The Power of Being an Active Ally. The sessions aim to build awareness of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ athletes in sport and understand the power of language to create inclusive cultures.
 
NBL Champion Pride Round will take place in Round 19, with the Cairns Taipans and Brisbane Bullets celebrating their NBL Champion Pride Round home games in Round 18, and the Illawarra Hawks doing so in Round 20.
 
“Everyone is welcome at the NBL, and we pride ourselves on being a place where people can feel comfortable being themselves,” NBL CEO, David Stevenson, said.
 
“The NBL Champion Pride Round has become an important and special part of our season, and the strong celebration and visible support of Pride emphasises our commitment to making the NBL a safe, healthy, and accessible environment for all.
 
“There are so many fantastic role models in the community, with past and present NBL stars such as Trevor Torrance and Isaac Humphries providing great inspiration and courage to us all through their stories.
 
“The NBL Champion Pride Round couldn’t be possible without the fantastic support of our clubs and players, and I thank them for joining us on this journey. I also want to thank Champion, Pride in Sport and QSA for being such fantastic partners with us on the NBL Champion Pride Round and look forward to the celebrations that’ll take place throughout the games.”
 
The NBL is a member of Pride in Sport, and is incorporated into the Pride in Sport Index, having achieved bronze status in 2024. Melbourne United and the Cairns Taipans are also Pride in Sport members.
 
All clubs will have several Pride elements during their NBL Champion Pride Round games, including the return of the Perth Wildcats’ rainbow arena. This is a powerful moment where RAC Arena turns rainbow to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community.
 
The most recent Pride in Sport Survey, using data collected from 32 organisations across 26 sports, showcased the positive impact of visible and active allies has grown by 43% over the past three years, but there is still work to be done.
 
The survey revealed that the LGBTQ+ athletes who are not 'out' about their sexual orientation or 'open' about their trans and/or gender-diverse experience continue to score lower in measures of health and wellbeing, and there are increases in serious bullying and a reduction in active intervention.
 
"The NBL Champion Pride Round is an incredible opportunity for basketball in Australia to help unite communities, inspire individuals, and foster a sense of belonging,” Beau Newell, National Program Manager at Pride in Sport, said.
 
“LGBTQ inclusion in sport not only enriches the overall experience for everyone involved, but also strengthens our communities and the broader sense of togetherness and acceptance across the country.
 
"We commend the NBL for enhancing their commitment to LGBTQ inclusion. There is always more that can be done across all sports, but through their partnership with Pride in Sport, the NBL continues to demonstrate positive steps in creating a more inclusive sporting environment that celebrates diversity and welcomes everyone, on and off the court.
 
“Holding the NBL Champion Pride Round is a powerful message to Australia that everyone is welcome in sport, fans and athletes alike, no matter who they are.”
 
“We’re proud to celebrate the return of NBL Champion Pride Round with the NBL as the official on-court apparel sponsor,” Sarah Flynn, General Manager Champion Australia and New Zealand, said.
 
“This year, we’ve explored the importance of active allyship and what it means both on and off the court. From players to spectators and the broader sporting community, together, we champion pride.
 
“Champion is committed to fostering inclusivity in sport, from grassroots clubs to elite competitions like the NBL. As loud and proud allies of the LGBTIQA+ community, we recognise there’s more to do and remain dedicated to ensuring everyone feels they belong in sport.”
 
“As the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ community sports club, QSA deeply understands the barriers preventing members of our community from participating in sport at any level,” Stella Lesic, President and founder of Queer Sporting Alliance (QSA), said.
 
“We are confident that NBL Pride Rounds like these will continue to ignite important conversations about how we can collectively work towards a safer future together. The commitment the NBL has made to actively strive towards learning more about active allyship through Pride in Sport, sparks hope in me that the future of basketball will continue to improve.”
 
ABOUT CHAMPION
Since 1919, Champion has been defined by American athletic heritage and a reputation for providing innovative and durable apparel, footwear, accessories and teamwear. As the first official outfitter of the NBA (1989-2001) and worn by the first men’s “Dream Team", today Champion continues its support of basketball culture as the official apparel sponsor of Australia's NBL. With a roster of iconic collaborations with established and emerging brands and creatives, including Rick Owens, Palace, Chiara Ferragni and Smiley, Champion's iconic heritage has been reinterpreted and immersed in sports, music, fashion, and culture for decades. As testament to this, Champion's Reverse Weave Hoodie introduced in 1934 is displayed in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) as a fashion item that has had a strong impact on modern society. Today, Champion's collections are available globally in flagship stores, select retailers and online at champion.com.au.