The Australian Basketball 2040 Vision – Everybody’s Game – sets out a bold, whole-of-sport roadmap for the future of Australian basketball. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about what the Vision means and how it will be delivered.
About the Vision
What is the Australian Basketball 2040 Vision?
The Australian Basketball 2040 Vision – Everybody’s Game – is a long-term, whole-of-sport roadmap that unites basketball across Australia behind one shared ambition: to become the nation’s largest and most loved team sport by 2040.
It charts how the sport will grow from the grassroots to the world stage through collaboration, inclusion and innovation.
Why was the Vision developed?
For the first time, basketball in Australia has come together behind a single, long-term plan to guide its future. The Vision was developed to ensure the sport continues to thrive for generations to come and by strengthening participation, improving facilities, celebrating community and culture, and empowering the people who bring the game to life.
How was the Vision developed?
The Vision was co-created through extensive consultation with more than 1,200 players, coaches, referees, administrators and fans across every State and Territory. Their collective insights and aspirations have shaped a plan that reflects the diversity, strength and ambition of the Australian basketball community.
Are professional leagues like the NBL and WNBL part of the Vision?
Professional leagues such as the NBL and WNBL and the National Wheelchair Basketball Leagues play a critical role in the success and visibility of Australian basketball. While the 2040 Vision speaks directly to the responsibilities and strategic direction of Basketball Australia and its State and Territory Associations, leagues - along with other key stakeholders - were engaged and consulted throughout the development process to ensure alignment and shared purpose across the broader basketball ecosystem.
What time period does the Vision cover?
The Vision provides a long-term outlook through to 2040, delivered across two horizons: to Brisbane 2032 and beyond, and implemented in distinct phases to track progress and impact.
Goals and Focus Areas
The Vision sets a bold national ambition for basketball to be Everybody’s Game - inclusive, accessible and thriving in every community - with an overarching goal for basketball to become Australia’s largest team sport by 2040.
The Vision is built around eight focus areas that will guide the sport’s growth and success:
Participation
More Australians playing the game they love — at every age, ability and stage of life.
- Expand participation through fun, flexible and affordable formats.
- Strengthen links with schools and communities to grow the sport.
Facilities
Safe, modern and accessible venues for every community.
- Deliver a national facilities audit and strategy.
- Advocate for basketball’s inclusion in government and infrastructure planning.
Community & Culture
A sport that reflects Australia’s diversity — where respect, safety and belonging are central.
- Embed a national approach to safe, inclusive and respectful sport.
- Celebrate basketball’s role in connecting communities and cultures.
Leadership
United, transparent and accountable leadership at every level.
- Align operations nationally to drive collaboration and efficiency.
- Use data and innovation to strengthen governance and decision-making.
Development Pathways
Clear, inclusive and sustainable pathways from community to the world stage.
- Establish consistent national frameworks for players, coaches and officials.
- Keep pathways accessible, affordable and focused on wellbeing and opportunity.
High Performance
Excellence and innovation that keep Australia at the top of world basketball.
- Invest in world-leading programs, facilities and the Centre of Excellence.
- Embed a Win Well philosophy that values both success and wellbeing.
Basketball’s People
Recognising and supporting the volunteers, referees, coaches and administrators who make the game possible.
- Deliver national training and recognition programs for the basketball workforce.
- Reduce red tape and improve the volunteer experience.
Brand & Identity
A shared national brand that reflects basketball’s culture, community and ambition.
- Tell powerful stories that celebrate the sport’s people and achievements.
- Leverage national team success and cultural influence to grow the game.
Delivery and Measurement
How will success be measured?
Progress will be tracked across the eight focus areas through shared national metrics and regular reporting. Key measures will include participation growth, facility development, workforce capability, leadership alignment and community impact. The Vision will be delivered in partnership across the sport and evaluated through ongoing collaboration and transparency.
Who is responsible for delivering the Vision?
The Vision is a whole-of-sport commitment — co-created and jointly owned by Basketball Australia and every State and Territory Member Association. Delivery will be led collectively, with clubs, schools, volunteers, partners and communities all playing a role.
Game Development Levy (GDL)
What is the Game Development Levy?
The Game Development Levy (GDL) is a whole-of-sport investment mechanism introduced on 1 January 2024 to fund projects that strengthen basketball’s foundations and support delivery of the 2040 Vision. Each registered player contributes $5 (+GST) annually, with all proceeds reinvested into national initiatives.
How does the GDL support the Vision?
The GDL directly funds projects aligned with the Vision’s key focus areas - from grassroots development to digital transformation - ensuring sustainable growth and innovation across the sport.
What projects are being funded through the GDL?
Current GDL-funded projects include:
- Officiating & Pathways – building clear education and development pathways for referees, scoretable officials and statisticians through new national curriculums and online tools.
- Coaching & Pathways – developing a new national framework to align coach education and accreditation across all levels.
- Digital Transformation – delivering shared platforms such as the Basketball Cloud, a central system connecting the sport’s data nationwide.
From 2026, GDL priority focus areas will expand to include the development of a nationally endorsed Facilities strategy to guide investment and advocacy for basketball infrastructure, and the national implementation of a Safe Sport framework to equip basketball communities with the tools and support to deliver safe, inclusive and accountable environments at every level of the game.
Getting Involved
How can I or my organisation get involved?
You can support the Vision by playing, coaching, volunteering or partnering with your local basketball organisation. Clubs, schools and community groups can align their programs and initiatives with the Vision’s focus areas to help grow the sport together.
Where can I find out more or read the full Vision?
You can download the full Australian Basketball 2040 Vision – Everybody’s Game via the Basketball Australia website.
