The WNBL stands united in the fight to end violence against women.
The WNBL, Clubs, Australian Basketball Players Association (ABPA) and players have joined forces to deliver a season long initiative aimed at taking a stand against violence toward women.
Following the outstanding work delivered by the UC Capitals over the past two seasons, led by domestic violence survivor, Alex Bunton, the initiative aims to use their respective platforms to continue to focus on the national crisis, and lead efforts to encourage the WNBL community to take action.
Starting this week and continuing throughout the 2024/25 Cygnett WNBL season, all players will don a purple band on their singlet on gameday, showing their support for survivors of domestic violence.
There will be information and call outs provided in broadcast in every WNBL game, as well as a special piece of content released on 25 November, in line with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Multiple education sessions will be delivered to all athletes and Clubs, and players will have the opportunity to get involved with partner, Full Stop Australia.
Tess Madgen, ABPA’s General Manager of Player Relations and Engagement highlighted the commitment of WNBL players to promoting awareness and taking a stand against violence.
“One in four women in Australia have experienced intimate partner violence, and one woman is killed every nine days by a former or current partner. Enough is enough,” said Madgen.
“I’m incredibly proud of the players in the WNBL who are stepping up as role models, using their platforms to raise awareness, foster support, and encourage open dialogue around this critical issue.”
“Their commitment embodies our dedication to protecting and uplifting our community, reminding us that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued—not only on the court but in every part of their lives. Together, we stand for change.”
Head of WNBL, Christy Collier-Hill, praised the basketball community for coming together to address this critical issue.
“As a women’s league we feel very strongly about supporting causes that affect women and girls. This issue in particular is unfortunately now a national crisis, and we need to do our part to have an impact on that,” Collier-Hill said.
“I want to thank the players, Clubs, ABPA, referees, administrators and everyone involved in the league for uniting to raise awareness about violence against women.”
The UC Capitals, who held the first Domestic Violence Awareness Round in the 22/23 WNBL season, have backed the season-wide initiative.
“The Caps and all WNBL athletes are a huge inspiration to so many in our community and throughout the 2024/25 season we aim to inspire awareness and action to end domestic violence,” said Lucille Bailie, General Manager – UC Capitals.
“Any form of violence against women and girls is unacceptable and the UC Capitals represent, support and value women and girls to be strong leaders, great communicators and valued team members. We encourage women and girls to talk to their teammates, friends and support networks regularly and to seek advice and assistance when needed.”
Alex Bunton, WNBL & Opals athlete and domestic violence survivor and advocate expressed her gratitude for the initiative.
“I am beyond grateful to see that we as a whole are standing together and using our voices as one to make a change,” said Bunton
“Rewind two years ago to the first Domestic Violence Awareness round, I couldn’t have imagined the support and love that surrounded not only me as a Victim Survivor but women and men beyond the court which has now turned into a United mission to stop the violence. The WNBL have come together which will help more people than we will ever know.”
“I am very honoured to be a part of this and to have so many amazing people lend their support in all different ways,” added Bunton.
“It’s emotional for me as Domestic Violence has impacted my life in a negative way but to have the basketball community stand by me has empowered me and I know how much positive change this will do.”
We are delighted to partner with Full Stop Australia to raise awareness, funds and link people in our game to support services.
Full Stop Australia CEO, Karen Bevan said, “This initiative by the WNBL puts a spotlight on violence against women and highlights the critical importance of sporting codes taking action.”
“Full Stop Australia welcomes the WNBL’s commitment to being part of the change needed to end violence against women. We are encouraged to see the whole code stand in solidarity with victim-survivors of sexual, domestic and family violence. For counselling services, call 1800 Full Stop (1800 385 578). You can support Full Stop Australia by making a donation at donate.fullstop.org.au.”
The 24/25 Cygnett WNBL Season tips off tomorrow night with Geelong United and Townsville Fire at 7:00pm AEDT.