United, NBL, Champion and Spalding come together to support Pride in play

Melbourne United, along with the NBL, Champion and Spalding, are excited to showcase their support for Pride in play ahead of one of the largest games of the NBL24 season. 

With the help of community partners Pride in Sport and Queer Sporting Alliance, 1,300 basketballs have been used to spell out the word ‘PRIDE’ before United’s matchup with the Sydney Kings.

The activation further solidifies both organisations’ LGBTIQA+ allyship and ongoing commitment to making sport more inclusive for all.

NBL CEO David Stevenson spoke about his excitement to see the showcase of diversity and inclusivity.

“The Hungry Jack’s NBL prides itself on celebrating inclusion, diversity and the LGBTQ community, and we are delighted to join forces with Champion to bring this impactful, important, meaningful, and exciting initiative to life. The strong celebration and visual support of Pride emphasises our commitment to making the NBL a safe, healthy, and accessible environment for all,” he said.

“Everyone is welcome at the NBL, and we will always look for ways to ensure our League is a space where everyone feels comfortable, without fear of judgement or discrimination. 

“We also look forward to hosting our second Pride Round in January.”

The NBL Champion Pride Round is set to occur during Round 16, from Wednesday 17 until Sunday 21, January 2024.

Notably, clubs without a home game in Round 16 will participate in Rounds 17 and 18. All courts will display Champion’s Pride Progress Flag x ‘C’ logo and players may choose to wear jerseys featuring that same logo. In addition, players, coaches, and staff have had the opportunity to participate in LGBTQ awareness training.