As the thrilling NBA Summer League commences, Australian talent is making a powerful impact, both on the court and behind the scenes. Not only will we witness a surge of NBL prodigies showcasing their skills on the global stage, but a promising group of Aussie NBA Front-Office Executives is also stepping into the spotlight.
In a world-first partnership, Deakin University and the Sports Business Classroom are sending four ambitious Deakin students to Las Vegas. They will participate in the renowned Business of Basketball program, conducted right within the heart-pumping environment of the NBA Summer League.
The NBA Summer League is a hotbed for rising basketball stars, but now it’s also a launchpad for the game’s future business strategists. The Business of Basketball Immersive Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for students to delve into the complex machinery of the NBA. They’ll gain firsthand insights into basketball operations, league salary cap intricacies, media and broadcasting dynamics, scouting and analytics, and networking and resume writing.
“The team behind Sports Business Classroom is the same team that runs the NBA Summer League, so there is no better immersive experience available for our students to get a true exclusive and inside look at the business of basketball,” says Pete Williams, Professor of Practice, at Deakin University.
“Having one of the leading university sports management programs globally, this is such a perfect partnership to extend the experiences our students can have.”
“People who have been through the Sports Business Classroom have gone on to get jobs in the NBA, or in the media for ESPN, and really, there’s no limit to where this opportunity can take them,” he says. “We’d also love to see some Australian students bring those skills back to use in the NBL (National Basketball League).”
The success of the NBL Next Stars program has inspired hopes of a similar pipeline for Aussies to fill the front offices of NBA franchises.
Larry Coon, General Manager of the Sports Business Classroom says the partnership with Deakin University is a great opportunity and will provide valuable experience that students can’t get anywhere else.
“Just as the sport of basketball is international, so too is the business of basketball,” he says. “Australia is having such an impact on the court in the NBA, WNBA and G-League; this alliance with the Deakin University will help expand that into the front office of the league.”
So, as the NBA Summer League unfolds, watch out for the Aussies making waves. Whether they’re stunning the crowds with their on-court prowess or shaping the future of basketball from behind the scenes, Australia’s influence on the global basketball stage is growing stronger than ever.
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
