The ACT Government has confirmed it will extend its partnership with the UC Capitals women’s basketball team for a further four years.
The record investment of $1.7 million dollars is the largest investment the Government has made in the UC Capitals, with $400,000 provided annually to support the team’s continued growth in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL).
Funding will support the UC Capitals to meet the new minimum standards across the WNBL. This includes increasing the minimum wage per player, with a portion of this new funding going directly to players.
Minister for Sport and Recreation, Yvette Berry (pictured, far left), highlighted the importance of investing in local players who have come through Canberra’s grassroots basketball pathway.
“We want our young athletes to see a future in professional sport and know that their community is behind them as they chase that dream,” said Ms Berry.
“Our funding will support the very exciting growth in the game, and ensure our elite teams are funded appropriately so that players can look to have full time employment through basketball.
“This investment will also help the UC Capitals to meet the WNBL’s new minimum standards and enable the team to continue to host home games at the AIS Arena.”
The renewed partnership with the UC Capitals aligns with the ACT Government’s CBR Next Move strategic plan, which prioritises investment in local talent and the development of sustainable professional pathways for Canberra athletes.
Capitals Executive General Manager, Christy Collier-Hill said the organisation had worked with the Government to build a strong relationship that has been instrumental in setting the foundation of basketball and women’s sport in Canberra.
“This deal means that we can invest more into building the Caps as a model of what a professional sports franchise should look like in Australia and give our players the relevant support they need as pro athletes,” she said.
“With basketball rapidly growing domestically and internationally, it is important that we continue to build and support programs that will give aspiring young athletes access and a platform for growth.
“We want our young basketballers to keep playing the sport and maybe we can inspire some of them to forge a path towards elite pathways like what Zara Russell and Abby Solway have done.”
