Basketball Tasmania today released its State Facilities Strategy, highlighting the urgent need for substantial investment in community basketball infrastructure across the state.
Supported by the latest participation data, the Strategy highlights a severe shortage in adequate facilities, with a critical court shortage of 31 courts identified statewide – 16 of those in the Greater Hobart area alone.
Basketball Tasmania CEO, Ben Smith, stresses the long-term under-investment in basketball facilities, revealing that over two-thirds of Tasmanian players are engaged in the sport at clubs without dedicated clubrooms.
“The lack of homes for basketball is one of the greatest challenges we face,” Mr Smith said.
“We currently have only 13 courts in the pipeline [Elphin, Claremont, Devonport and Rugby Park with Federal support] but progress is not keeping up with the urgency of the situation.
“This strategic framework is not just a call to action; it’s a call to secure the future of basketball in Tasmania.”
Basketball is experiencing a national surge, becoming the second preferred team sport, according to AusPlay data, with over 1.3 million participants nationally.
Tasmania is no exception, with an 88 percent increase in participation at Ford Aussie Hoops programs, primarily hosted in shared indoor sporting facilities.
Yet, the growth isn’t reaching all corners of the state. In regions where basketball clubs lack basic infrastructure like clubrooms, the sport struggles to maintain momentum.
The North-West of Tasmania has seen the greatest growth in both participation and program development, benefiting from established clubrooms and a strong basketball culture.
“Our programs in the North-West have thrived due to access to facilities,” Mr Smith said.
“Although many facilities on the Coast are aging and require upgrades, there is a clear correlation between the availability of spaces and the success of basketball programs.”
In 2024, Basketball Tasmania recorded 19,013 registered participants, with an 11 percent increase in overall participation, including an 88 percent boost in Ford Aussie Hoops.
These figures highlight the growing demand for basketball opportunities across the state. Yet, with inadequate facilities in many regions, Tasmania risks losing the momentum of this unprecedented interest.
“We’ve seen the excitement for basketball reach new heights in Tasmania,” Mr Smith said.
“But without a shift in investment, we risk missing out on the chance to truly capitalise on this growth. We must provide clubs with the infrastructure they need to thrive.”
Basketball Tasmania has been proactive in its outreach, running over 286 school sessions and initiatives aimed at increasing the number of coaches and referees statewide.
Participation Programs Lead, Danyon Saville, emphasised the significance of the Ford Aussie Hoops surge.
The 88 percent growth in Ford Aussie Hoops participation reflects a strong demand for basketball. This growth is critical for the long-term sustainability of clubs across Tasmania,” he said.
For families like the Banovic family, the passion for basketball is clear. Seven-year-old Stevie was inspired to join her local Ford Aussie Hoops program after watching her older brother Louie play.
“Basketball is part of our family, and now Stevie is excited to be involved too,” Mark, their father, said. “She’s ready for next year already.”
Their story is shared by hundreds of other young players across the state, yet many families are feeling the absence of proper facilities.
“It would be amazing if there were clubrooms,” Mr Banovic said
“After training, we could all hang out, have a sausage and a juice, like they do in other sports. It’s not just about playing, it’s about building that community spirit.”
For more news on Basketball in the Tasmania, visit Basketball TAS.
