United celebrates Kestelman’s legacy as ownership changes

Melbourne United would like to formally thank Larry Kestelman as he departs the club’s ownership group following a period which has changed basketball both locally and nationally for the better.

Kestelman first joined the club as an owner in 2012, which was a time where the sport found itself in a difficult position in Melbourne, and worked tirelessly to create change.

Overseeing our transition from the Melbourne Tigers to Melbourne United, his aim was always to grow and showcase the game, while helping to produce a world-class product on the court and around the arena.

Across his tenure, the club has been able to grow into the powerhouse it is today, winning two NBL Championships and regularly selling out John Cain Arena.

In a statement, Kestelman thanked the supporters and fans who have continued to drive the passion for the sport across the past 13 years.

“I have loved the journey, albeit tough at times,” he said. 

“From humble beginnings with Melbourne Tigers and crowds of 600 people, to reshaping the club we loved as a family into Melbourne United, and now seeing almost every game selling out is something we can all be proud of. 

“With a collection of clubs having failed in Melbourne previously, to now having a strong and sustainable organisation the fans can enjoy was always the goal and I feel my job is done.”

Melbourne United CEO Nick Truelson expressed his gratitude for everything Kestelman has done for the sport in Melbourne.

“As a club, one of our major strengths is the dedication showcased by our ownership group as we strive to produce the best results possible for our fans,” Truelson explained.

“Over his time with the club, Larry Kestelman has been instrumental in transforming Melbourne United and the NBL through his passion and drive. We couldn’t be more thankful for his want to strengthen the sport of basketball locally, and across the rest of the nation to where it is now seen globally as one of the best pathways to the NBA for players.”

“The effort Larry has put into the sport cannot be understated, and we are forever grateful for helping to put basketball in the position it is today.”

These sentiments were echoed by Chris Goulding, who has been with the club for 12 of Kestelman’s 13 seasons.

“Basketball is the game we love, and to see the sport thriving in Melbourne and in Australia as much as it is, is thanks to Larry Kestelman.

“He’s been a great owner of our club and a great ambassador for the league globally.”

Acquiring Kestelman’s final 15% shareholding in the club is Melbourne based entrepreneur Aaron Sansoni, who is working closely with the rest of our ownership group to ensure basketball in Melbourne continues its upward trajectory over the coming years.

In a statement, Sansoni thanked Kestelman for his dedication growing Melbourne United and the sport of basketball across more than a decade and touched on his excitement for what the future holds.

"I'm thrilled to share that I’ve officially deepened my investment in Melbourne United… This is more than a financial move—it’s a belief in the future of the club, the league, and the power of basketball in Australia,” Sansoni said.

“A heartfelt thank you to Larry Kestelman for his 15 year dedication and vision that helped shape both the club and the NBL. It’s an honour to acquire his final stake in Melbourne United and continue building on the incredible legacy he’s established.

“Now it’s time to get to work. There’s so much ahead for the club, our fans, and the game. Let’s build something extraordinary—together.”

Sansoni has invested $10 million into Melbourne United and, as a result, is now the largest single shareholder with a 25% ownership stake.

 As the club moves forward, it cannot be overlooked how crucial a role Kestelman has played in making Melbourne United into the organisation it is today.

From playing games inside the State Netball and Hockey Centre in front of less than 1,000 supporters, to consistently selling out John Cain Arena, and smashing membership figures, Kestelman has played a pivotal role in developing the club  back into one of the powerhouses in all of Australian sport.

From everyone at Melbourne United, we would like to thank Larry Kestelman for his dedication in basketball across the past 13 seasons and eagerly anticipate what the future holds for our organisation.