The Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) is pushing for more high-profile double-header events with the men's NBL following the roaring success of the inaugural Hoopsfest in Perth. The league's chief executive, Jennie Sager, has revealed her ambition to create more of these combined-game spectacles to elevate the profile of women's sport.
Hoopsfest Success Sets the Stage
The landmark Hoopsfest event took place at a packed RAC Arena on Saturday, December 14. The day was a historic first for Australian basketball, featuring a full day of elite hoops action. It kicked off with a thrilling WNBL clash where the Perth Lynx narrowly defeated the Sydney Flames 96-94. The excitement continued into the evening with the Perth Wildcats securing a 99-83 victory over the South East Melbourne Phoenix in the NBL.
This innovative format proved to be a major hit with fans. The combined attendance for the double-header soared past the 13,000 mark, creating an electric atmosphere rarely seen for regular-season games. For Sager, the event was a clear demonstration of the untapped potential in presenting both leagues together.
A Strategic Push for Growth and Visibility
Jennie Sager's vision extends far beyond a single successful event. She is actively engaging in discussions with NBL counterpart David Stevenson to explore how the two leagues can collaborate more frequently on similar double-headers. Her goal is strategic: to leverage the massive fanbase of the established NBL to introduce new audiences to the high-quality basketball played in the WNBL.
"The opportunity for us to be in front of 13,000 people is something we don't get every week," Sager stated, highlighting the exposure boost. She emphasised that the primary aim is growth, not immediate financial gain from ticket sales. The focus is on building the WNBL's brand and fanbase by showcasing the athletes in major arena settings alongside the men's game.
The CEO pointed to the tangible benefits already seen from existing collaborations. She noted that WNBL viewership often spikes when games are broadcast as part of NBL telecasts on Kayo Sports, indicating a receptive crossover audience.
Future Plans and Fan Engagement
While the next Hoopsfest in Perth is already confirmed for the 2025-26 season, Sager is keen to see the concept expand to other markets. The challenge lies in aligning the complex fixtures of two separate professional leagues. However, the resounding success in Perth serves as a powerful case study for other clubs and venues around Australia.
The event also underscored the strong community support for basketball in Western Australia. The Perth Lynx, despite facing a tight schedule with three games in six days, delivered a performance that captivated the large crowd. This fan enthusiasm is a key metric Sager and the league will use to advocate for more double-headers.
Looking ahead, the WNBL's strategy is clear. By continuing to partner with the NBL in these showcase events, the league aims to accelerate its growth, reward its dedicated players with bigger stages, and solidify basketball's place as a leading sport for both men and women in Australia. The success at RAC Arena has provided the perfect blueprint.
