CHRIS Riches returns to the Lady Force with something more substantial than promises, having led an Ipswich senior program to championship glory.
The coach behind the men’s 2023 NBL1 North title brings credentials, leadership and an understanding of what success demands, but whether he can take the women’s program to those heights is another question entirely.
That responsibility comes into focus as an association insider raises concerns about funding, internal divisions, coaching decisions and the pathway connecting junior talent with senior basketball.
Ipswich Basketball Association has responded by saying its women’s funding remained unchanged for 2026, its NBL1 men’s and women’s teams receive equal budget allocations, and playing and coaching appointments are determined on merit.
“IBA prides itself on player development across its senior programs, including NBL1, QSL and Youth League,” the IBA spokesperson said.
Funding remains a point of dispute, with the insider alleging the women’s budget was reduced by between $15,000 and $25,000 – a claim IBA directly rejects.
“The NBL1 women’s program’s funding remained the same for the 2026 season,” the spokesperson said.
“IBA allocates the same budget funding to its NBL1 men’s and women’s programs.”
The insider also described divisions within the women’s program and alleged the association failed to provide adequate support when concerns escalated.
IBA said all concerns raised with the association were addressed through its Behavioural Framework – Complaint & Tribunal Process.
An away game in Townsville was identified by the insider as a significant flashpoint, with allegations that a sponsor associated with the men’s program confronted the women’s coach during a heavy defeat, questioned their coaching and commitment, and later told players he would help secure a coaching change.
IBA did not address the alleged exchange specifically, although other individuals witnessed the events, but made its position on outside influence clear.
“The association makes operational and coaching appointment decisions independently of its sponsors.”
