Latest news with #TasmaniaJackJumpers
ABC News
9 hours ago
- Business
- ABC News
WNBL hands Tasmania licence as it announces expansion to 10 clubs
The reformed WNBL will add two new teams, including a Tasmanian franchise, to form a 10-club competition next year. The Tasmania JackJumpers were awarded the licence on Tuesday, fresh off the NBL club's 2021 arrival, 2024 title and last season's sold-out home season. But the women's outfit, set to be part of a 10-team 2026-27 campaign, will carry a different name and logo which is yet to be finalised. It will be the first time the league has featured a Tasmanian-based team since 1996, when the Hobart Islanders' 10-year stint ended. "This is an incredibly proud day for this club and for the state of Tasmania," JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan said. "We are so proud to expand the club to now have an inspirational and aspirational pathway for both girls and boys. "We've seen what the JackJumpers have done for the community and how the community have embraced the team. "Now we'll have a women's team that brings that same spirit, pride and passion to the women's game at the highest national level." Australia's longest-running elite domestic women's sports competition has been an eight-team league since 2016. That looked under threat when some teams baulked at conditions earlier this year, as Basketball Australia prepared to relinquish majority ownership to the NBL and Wollemi Capital Group Syndicate. Five-time champions Adelaide have since struck a deal with the South Australian government to stay alive and the league has launched its search for a 10th club to join newcomers Tasmania. In April the league announced a new, four-year deal that will more than double the WNBL's minimum wage as part of a new collective bargaining agreement that creates pay parity with the NBL. The Opals have won three silver and three Olympic bronze medals, while Australians are prominent in the surging WNBA. "With the new energy, investment, and passion in the WNBL, it is the right time for Tasmania to return to the league," WNBL CEO Jennie Sager said. "We thank the JackJumpers for believing in our vision and backing the future of women's basketball. "With one in five girls playing basketball in this country, this new team helps increase opportunities and inspire a new generation of girls to dream big." AAP
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
American guard Doyle leaves JackJumpers for NBL rivals
American guard Milton Doyle is set to confirm a move to Melbourne United after bringing an end to his successful NBL stint with the Tasmania JackJumpers. Doyle has been one of the league's premier guards over the past three seasons, averaging 15.8 points, 4.3 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. He made 96 appearances for Tasmania and was a key piece of the puzzle in the club's historic 2023/24 championship under coach Scott Roth. Thank you Milt. Milton Doyle has informed the club he won't be accepting the offer presented by the JackJumpers, opting to pursue a new direction in NBL26. "While we're disappointed we weren't able to come to an agreement to continue his time in Tasmania, we respect his… — Tasmania JackJumpers 🐜 (@JackJumpers) June 1, 2025 "We wish Milton and his family all the best for the future," JackJumpers chief operating officer Darren Smith said in a statement. "He's been a big part of our club for the last three years and we thank him for everything he has given during his time with us. "While we're disappointed we weren't able to come to an agreement to continue his NBL journey in Tasmania, we respect his decision and wish him, Keyara and the children every success." Doyle, who was also named Tasmania's MVP in 2023, is currently in Puerto Rico playing for Indios de Mayaguez. The 31-year-old was part of the Brooklyn Nets as a two-way player in 2017-18 and has spent most of his career between the NBA G-League and Europe. Melbourne are coming off successive NBL Championship Series defeats, and have had top-two regular-season finishes in four of the past five years. But they have been forced to rethink their recruiting strategy this year, having lost high-profile locals Matthew Dellavedova and Jack White. Doyle, who has reportedly agreed a one-year deal with United, is likely to be one of three imports on the roster. Melbourne already have Chris Goulding, Finn Delany, Shea Ili, Kyle Bowen, Tanner Krebs, Fabijan Krslovic, Tom Wilson and Next Star recruit Dash Daniels signed for the upcoming season.
