Development Players aren’t just for the courts, we also want them at NBL HQ too!
The National Basketball League is now taking applications for recent and soon to be graduating university students to join our Graduate Development Program. This program will see graduates gain hands-on experience and put their learnings to the ultimate test.
As part of the Graduate Development Program, you will join one of the most exciting and fast-growing leagues in Australian sport and experience the thrill of an accelerated career development opportunity. Not only will you gain exposure in your chosen field, but you will learn from some of the industry’s best, have the opportunity to network and build trusting relationships, and push yourself to grow and develop in a fast-paced environment!
Graduates will receive the ultimate, all-access, behind-the-scenes experience of what it takes to bring the League to life.
Have you recently completed or are about to complete your degree and have spent your final year wondering what direction to take your career in? As a recent graduate you will join one of the most exciting and fast-growing leagues in Australian sport and experience the thrill of an accelerated career development opportunity.
Here at the NBL, we’re looking for excited, innovative, and out of the box thinkers to partake in a unique two-year program that will arm you with the skills to enter your career journey with success.
We hope each graduate possesses resilience when faced with a roadblock or when receiving constructive feedback; is resourceful in their approach and proactive within the workplace; is inquisitive by nature and continuously curious to explore new ventures & challenges; is humble and respectful of their role, their team, and the broader NBL HQ..
The NBL is regarded as one of the premier basketball organisations in the world and is home to some of the world’s best athletes. With a core focus on success and growth, the League’s vision and determination is to be positioned as one of the leading sporting codes in Australia.
It’s no secret the NBL is growing and will continue to do so. This all comes down to each and every team member playing an integral part in bringing new initiatives to the table, and actively striving for greatness across their role and within the League.
Choosing the NBL will see you gain unparalleled exposure and the opportunity to utilise the knowledge of some of the biggest names in the industry and set yourself up for future success.
Our Media & Comms Graduate will provide support to the Chief Media & Communications Officer & broader department for two years.
As our Finance Graduate, you will provide essential support to the General Manager - Finance and broader department, across two years.
Our Marketing Graduate will provide essential support to the NBL's marketing team across two years.
Our Events Graduate will provide essential support to the competitions and operations team across two years.
Our Government Relations Graduate will provide support to the GM – Government Relations and the Commissioner.
Starting his career in media at the Seven Network, it wasn’t long before Heath had established himself within the broadcast industry and commenced a news journalist cadetship. After several years of covering some of the most significant stories on general rounds, he transferred to the sports department. In 2006 he moved to the Nine Network and worked as the weekend sports presenter. In 2008 he was appointed head of media, marketing and communications at the North Melbourne Football Club where he spent the next 13 years. Heath has published three books, and joined the National Basketball League (NBL) as our Chief Media & Communications Officer at a pivotal point and continues to propel the league by innovating with a true growth mindset.
Starting his career as a professional AFL Player, Adrian had studied a finance degree between his time on the field and obtained his CA post-graduation. Upon completing his degree, Adrian had made the move to London to experience the beauty of blending travel and work together. 
Ben had kickstarted his career in sports through studying a Bachelor of Applied Science (Sport Management & Marketing) and had created opportunities to make his break in the industry during his time at YMCA Victoria, which saw him go from a customer service role, to Marketing & Communications Manager within the organisation.
After spending most of his early career working in health in a diverse range of both operational and management roles, Sean was given the opportunity to join the National Basketball League part-time in 2015 and then permanently from 2016.
Fresh out of high school, Tristan studied a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and went on to complete a Masters in Public Policy. Tristan is no stranger to Graduate Programs and had completed one himself with the Victorian Government, which gave him the strong foundations to build a successful professional career in Government Relations – spanning 20 years including in Ministerial offices in State and Federal Government.
The National Basketball League is regarded as one of the premier basketball leagues in the world, and after a humble beginning, is today home to some of the world’s best players.
In 1978, New South Wales Basketball president John Raschke sat with 10 interested parties in an unused aircraft hangar at Sydney Airport to discuss the formation of a national competition that would help the development of the sport throughout Australia.
A national competition was seen as a way of improving the standard of players who would compete for Australia at international events such as the Olympic Games and World Championships. with the Australian Boomers now considered a world power.
While NBL games were initially played in small suburban stadiums, clubs now perform at major Australian arenas, including RAC Arena which can seat 14,000+ spectators, and Qudos Bank Arena, which hosted over 15,000 fans for the 2021/2022 Hungry Jack's NBL Grand Final.
Don’t miss your chance to make the roster! Begin your application now before the shot clock runs out!
September 1, 2022 – Applications open
October 31, 2022 – Applications close
November 14, 2022 –Shortlist notified
November 21, 2022 – First round interviews
November 28, 2022 – Second round interviews
December 12, 2022 – Offers sent
February 6, 2023 – Program commences
The drafting process to join our team of Graduate Development Players will be conducted over four stages.
Stage 1 – Online applications
Applications open on September 1 at 9am and will close on October 31 at 6pm each year.
Stage 2 – Online interviews
If you are successful in making it to the first round of short listing, you will be notified via email and be invited to participate in your first interview throughout the process, with our Human Resources Team.
Stage 3 – NBL HQ Interviews
If you make it to the next phase, the respective candidates will be invited to the National Basketball League’s HQ to interview with your potential reporting manager, and mentor of the department you have applied to commence the program in.
Stage 4 – Offers
After much deliberation to build our team, offers will be sent out to those successful by mid-December.
