AUSTRALIAN basketball legend Lauren Jackson has been appointed as the Special Advisor for the Women’s National Basketball League, a move expected to enhance the growth of women’s basketball in Ipswich and other regional communities.
As part of her She Hoops basketball development initiative, Jackson recently visited Ipswich Basketball, where 81 young girls participated in a skills session, showcasing the increasing popularity of the women’s game in the region.
The seven-time WNBL champion and four-time MVP will play a crucial role in shaping the league’s future as it transitions to new ownership under the Wollemi Capital Group Syndicate and the NBL Group on April 2.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of this next chapter for the WNBL,” Jackson said.
“This league has been at the heart of my basketball journey. Now I have the chance to help create an exciting future where our talented players thrive.”
Ipswich has long been a rich nursery for basketball talent, with local clubs developing elite players who have competed at both national and international levels.
With the WNBL’s new leadership prioritising regional engagement, there is hope that areas like Ipswich will receive increased investment and support for women’s basketball.
In the WNBL, Jackson won seven championships, was named league MVP four times, and earned four Grand Final MVPs, cementing her status as one of the league’s all-time greats.
In the WNBA, she was a two-time champion, three-time MVP, seven-time All-Star, and three-time scoring champion.
On the international stage, Jackson represented Australia in five Olympic Games, winning three silver medals and two bronze medals.
Her journey began as the No.1 overall pick in the 2001 WNBA Draft, and she made a successful return to top-level competition in 2024.
