Wikipedia - NBL1 West
NBL1 West, formerly the State Basketball League (SBL), is a semi-professional basketball league in Western Australia, comprising both a men's and women's competition. In 2020, Basketball Western Australia partnered with the National Basketball League (NBL) to bring NBL1 to Western Australia. NBL1 replaced the former SBL to create more professional pathways and opportunities for males and females playing basketball in Western Australia. As a result, the SBL became the west conference of NBL1.
History
The State Basketball League originated in 1972 as the District Competition. The District Competition was introduced by the Western Australian Basketball Federation (WABF) as an 'elite' competition held on Friday nights, featuring eight Perth-based associations from the prominent districts of Perth, Swan Districts, Tangney/Willetton, Subiaco, East Perth, Cockburn, Stirling, and Claremont. In 1986, the competition was rebranded as the "State League". This name continued in 1987, but 1987 was something of a watershed year for the WABF, as the entire structure of the game in Western Australia was being reconsidered.
A census in 1987 showed that 61 percent of WABF members were from country areas, so it was decided to try to include several country teams in the state's premier basketball league. The Perth Wildcats had a hugely successful season in 1987—reaching the NBL Grand Final in their first trip to the finals—attracting much television coverage, which saw basketball's popularity soar. In 1988, it was decided to form a State Basketball League for both men and women, and to develop it into an elite, statewide competition as soon as possible. This meant seeking out private owners and attracting corporate sponsorship, so as to not burden the association. As part of basketball's development, the Western Australian Institute of Sport men's team was included in the SBL under Warren Kuhn.
Simon Leunig, who had been the WABF's development officer, was appointed general manager of the SBL, and set about organising an expanded league for 1989. His marketing strategy paid off, and three new franchises were established in country areas: the Rainbow Coast Raiders from Albany were the first, followed by the Batavia Buccaneers from Geraldton and the Souwest Slammers from Bunbury.
The expanded SBL, which was limited to men's teams in 1989, was sponsored by McDonald's and Skywest, with a $65,000 grant from the State Government to help with travel costs.
In 2017, the SBL shifted to the 40-minute game format in-line with FIBA, with games consisting of ten minute quarters as opposed to the twelve minute quarters under the previous 48-minute format.
In October 2020, Basketball Western Australia and the National Basketball League (NBL) announced a new partnership to bring NBL1 to Western Australia in 2021, with NBL1 replacing the SBL. The SBL was officially renamed NBL1 West and became the west conference of NBL1.
The tournament brings together some of the best basketball teams from Western Australia, providing a platform for players to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. The participating teams consist of both professional and semi-professional players, creating a competitive and thrilling atmosphere throughout the tournament.
Australia NBL1 West features intense matchups between teams representing various cities and regions, including Perth, Mandurah, Joondalup, and Rockingham, among others. The tournament is known for its fast-paced and high-scoring games, with players displaying their athleticism, teamwork, and basketball IQ.
Fans eagerly anticipate the Australia NBL1 West as it offers an opportunity to witness the rising stars of Australian basketball and potential future national team players. The tournament attracts a diverse audience, including basketball enthusiasts, families, and sports fans, who come together to support their favorite teams and players.
The Australia NBL1 West not only provides thrilling basketball action but also serves as a platform for community engagement. It fosters a sense of unity and pride among the local communities, as they rally behind their teams and celebrate the sport they love.
With its high level of competition, passionate fans, and commitment to promoting basketball in Western Australia, the Australia NBL1 West has become a prominent event in the Australian basketball calendar. It continues to grow in popularity, attracting attention from both local and international basketball enthusiasts, and further solidifying Australia's reputation as a basketball powerhouse.