Women’s basketball in Australia is in the midst of a quiet revolution. What was once a schoolyard pastime is now emerging as a defining force in women’s sport - driven by cultural momentum, better pathways, and a sense of belonging that’s being nurtured from the pro courts to local community.
According to the AusPlay 2025 report, more than 450,000 women and girls are now playing basketball regularly - up 25% since 2022 - making it one of the fastest-growing team sports for females nationwide.
Among girls aged 5–14, basketball now ranks in the top three most played organised sports, with nearly 1 in 5 girls participating. And unlike many other sports, basketball is holding its numbers through adolescence (15–17 years), a time when many girls tend to drop out of physical activity altogether.
The surge hasn’t happened by chance. It’s the result of years of groundwork from programs like She Hoops, designed to make basketball more visible, inclusive and inspiring. Led by Olympic legends Lauren Jackson and Tess Madgen, She Hoops connects grassroots players with relatable role models through basketball clinics, leadership programs and events that spark meaningful conversations about confidence, culture and representation.
She Hoops lead, Tess Madgen has seen first-hand the impact the Opals and programs Like She Hoops have had on women and girls across the country.
“We’re seeing more women and girls than ever before picking up a basketball and believing they belong in the game. That’s what She Hoops is all about: creating space, building confidence, and showing the next generation that there’s a place for them, both on and off the court.
Madgen, who captained the Opals at the 2022 FIBA World Cup, says the team always knew the value of a home tournament goes far beyond the scoreboard. “The legacy of the Opals isn’t just about medals, it’s about inspiring lasting change. We knew how important a home tournament was in sparking that inspiration and showing boys and girls what’s possible.”
That visibility matters. When girls see women leading, competing and coaching at the highest level, they begin to picture themselves in those roles too. And it’s making an impact: female coaches and officials have increased by 15% since 2023 - evidence that the momentum isn’t just in the participation numbers, it's being felt across the whole sport.
Australian athletes are reinforcing this shift on the global stage. Players like Ezi Magbegor, Sami Whitcomb, and Alanna Smith are showing what a international basketball career can look like and proving to young players that it’s within reach. Their presence, along with increased viewership and public interest, is fuelling the sense that basketball is a sport where women can thrive.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain.
Facilities and court availability are struggling to keep pace with demand. Many female-focused programs lack the funding and infrastructure needed to scale. And while interest is growing, equitable media coverage remains a challenge.
Madgen is clear-eyed about what’s next. “There’s so much more we can do, but we have to keep showing up. She Hoops is about doing more, doing better, and doing it for her. Being out in the community and delivering programs that create lasting change is what drives me most. It’s incredibly rewarding to now see the impact reflected in the data, proof that the work is making a difference.” Madgen said.
Women’s basketball in Australia is no longer just growing—it’s evolving.
With the right investment and support, it’s poised to become a pillar of Australia’s sporting identity for generations to come.
