More basketball games are bouncing into regional Victoria in January 2022 as part of a festival of women’s basketball, with seven additional WNBL fixtures confirmed for Ballarat and Traralgon.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today confirmed the extra games will complement four WNBL matches in the regions, four WNBL matches across Dandenong and Parkville and an NBL duel between the South East Melbourne Phoenix and New Zealand Breakers on Australia Day Eve in Traralgon.

The 15 WNBL matches will feature all teams – including home-town favourites the Melbourne Boomers, Southside Flyers and Bendigo Spirit – and  the Perth Lynx will be based in Ballarat in January.

The Ballarat Sports and Events Centre, Bendigo Stadium and Gippsland Regional Indoor Stadium will all host matches as part of the festival.

The extra games are complemented by a comprehensive sport development and community engagement program that includes coaching workshops, junior basketball camps and drop-ins by elite players at community basketball training.

The Andrews Labor Government is backing the return of a packed calendar sporting events in regional Victoria in 2022 – bringing thousands of visitors and supporting local jobs.

The Labor Government’s Significant Sporting Events Program and Regional Events Fund supported bringing the extra basketball games to Ballarat and Traralgon.

For more information on the WNBL season, visit wnbl.basketball.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula

“We’re bringing more basketball to regional Victoria because sporting events attract visitors and support local jobs.”

“As Australia’s premier sporting state, we’re delivering a packed events calendar this summer right across Victoria.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“Basketball has a huge following in Ballarat, with thousands of locals playing each week. BSEC was designed to host major events like the WNBL and we look forward to being the Victorian home of the Perth Lynx.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“Basketball is a great sport to play and getting a chance to see their heroes up close is great for our local clubs and athletes.”