Last year Basketball Australia received a formal complaint from Crest Entertainment about NBL owner and Executive Director Larry Kestelman.
Basketball Australia is the governing and controlling body for basketball in Australia, from the grass roots to national teams and national leagues. The NBL is bound by the National Integrity Framework, so it was appropriate and important that Basketball Australia handled this complaint.
Basketball Australia’s Integrity Unit appointed former Solicitor-General Justin Gleeson SC to conduct a comprehensive and independent investigation on its behalf into the claims made by Crest Entertainment.
The investigation found that there was no credible evidence provided in the complaint to establish a disciplinary or code of conduct breach by Mr Kestelman and that there was no evidence that the NBL or the Clubs had been disadvantaged because of conduct alleged in the complaint.
The report by Mr Gleeson also highlighted the need to ensure governance standards and procedures were at international best practice across all levels of the sport.
Basketball Australia will now lead a project in collaboration with the NBL to ensure these best-practice standards are met in all areas.
This project will be independently overseen by global risk and financial advisory consultant Kroll. A project plan will be developed which is expected to take approximately nine months to fully implement.
“This is a positive project that will allow the NBL and the Clubs to build on the outstanding success of the 2025-26 season and set the game up for continued growth at fan and grassroots level,” Basketball Australia Chair John Carey said.
“Mr Gleeson, who was eminently qualified to conduct this independent review, consulted closely with all the NBL Clubs and the NBL, and produced a rigorous and well-considered report.
“Basketball Australia greatly appreciates the feedback and collaboration from the NBL Clubs in relation to this matter, and they can be assured that we will work closely with the NBL to ensure the recommendations of the report are fully implemented.”
