Basketball Australia is pleased to announce a three-year extension that will see the Foot Locker Australian School Championships continue on the Gold Coast, strengthening a partnership that has supported unprecedented growth for one of the nation’s largest junior sporting events.
The renewed agreement with Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, ensures the Championships will remain on the coast for three more years, following record-breaking participation and rising national and international interest.
Held annually each December, the event has rapidly grown into a marquee fixture on Basketball Australia’s calendar. Recent editions have welcomed more than 220 teams and over 2,700 athletes, including schools from New Zealand and, for the first time in 2025, a team from the United States.
Basketball Australia’s General Manager of Marketing and Events Nicole Thompson said the Gold Coast had proven to be the ideal home for the Championships.
“The Gold Coast has embraced this event, and together we’ve elevated the Foot Locker Australian School Championships experience.”
“Each year, it sets a new benchmark, not just in size, but in atmosphere. The growth in participation, the quality of the facilities, and the support from Experience Gold Coast and Tourism and Events Queensland have created an environment where the event can continue to flourish.”
The extension will see the Championships continue across the Gold Coast Sports & Leisure Centre and Coomera Indoor Sports Centre offering world-class facilities for athletes, officials, coaches and families.
Local leaders recognise how the Championships have strengthened the Gold Coast’s position as a sporting hub.
“School’s out and basketball is in. As Mayor, I’m thrilled to partner with Basketball Australia and Tourism Events Queensland for today’s announcement,’’ said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.
“Adding three years to the agreement confirms the Gold Coast’s continual evolution as a place where major sport happens. This announcement also provides tournament organisers and school-based competitors from across the country with certainty. It’s time to lock in the on-court action until 2028.’’
The Foot Locker Australian School Championships will return to the Gold Coast in 2026 under the extended agreement.
The Australian Basketball School Championships is supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland.
