10 April 2026
Sarah Addis
Melbourne Victoria – Basketball has officially claimed top spot as Victoria’s number one participation sport for 2025 in the Sporting Schools Program, cementing its position not only as the state’s leading team sport, but the most participated sport of all codes across Victoria.
The milestone achievement has been confirmed by the Australian Sports Commission, with data from the Sporting Schools Program revealing that an extraordinary 61,528 Victorian school children participated in basketball programs over the past year — more than any other sport delivered across the state.
The result represents a significant moment for basketball in Victoria and highlights the sustained growth, accessibility and appeal of the game at the grassroots level, particularly within schools.
Record Demand and Delivery Across Victoria
Demand for basketball programs through Sporting Schools reached new heights in 2025, with 511 programs requested, ranking basketball first among all sports in Victoria. Of those, an impressive 441 programs were successfully delivered, once again ranking basketball number one for program delivery statewide.
The figures demonstrate not only the popularity of basketball among schools and students, but also the strength of the delivery model, workforce, and partnerships supporting the program across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
David Huxtable, Basketball Victoria’s General Manager, Members, Participation and Growth noted - “Basketball’s growth through Sporting Schools doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of a whole-of-sport approach — from program design and workforce development to collaboration with educators and local associations — all working together to put more kids on the court.”
Participation was strong across all four school terms:
- Term 1: 12,202 participants
- Term 2: 20,627 participants
- Term 3: 17,111 participants
- Term 4: 11,588 participants
The consistency of engagement throughout the year reflects basketball’s ability to fit seamlessly into the school calendar and appeal to students of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
A Game for Everyone
Basketball’s success within Sporting Schools has been driven by its inclusivity, flexibility and alignment with educational outcomes. Programs are designed to be welcoming and engaging, supporting fundamental skills, teamwork and building confidence.
Tracey Mogensen Assistant Director Operations (Sporting Schools) at the Australian Sports Commission congratulated Basketball Victoria on this significant achievement - “The Sporting Schools program is designed to help children develop a love of sport and physical activity, and basketball’s success in Victoria demonstrates the impact of well structured, engaging programs that meet the needs of schools and students alike.”
From inner-city primary schools to regional and rural communities, basketball continues to provide an accessible entry point into sport — often requiring minimal equipment and adaptable to a wide range of facilities.
Importantly, the program also plays a critical role in introducing students to ongoing participation pathways, connecting schools with local clubs and associations across Victoria.
Leadership Driving Growth
The achievement has been widely recognised as a testament to the leadership, commitment and collaboration behind the scenes.
Special congratulations have been extended to Linda Woods (Basketball Victoria’s Participation Officer), whose tireless work and leadership have played a pivotal role in driving the growth and success of basketball participation across Victorian schools.
Linda Woods said - “To see basketball recognised as the number one Sporting Schools choice in Victoria is incredibly rewarding. The Sporting Schools program allows us to introduce thousands of students to the game in a fun, inclusive and accessible way, and these numbers reflect the incredible work being done by our endorsed providers right across the state.”
Her efforts, alongside the broader Basketball Victoria and delivery network, have ensured programs are not only in demand, but delivered to a consistently high standard — helping basketball remain the sport of choice for schools across the state.
A Strong Platform for the Future
Being recognised as Victoria’s number one participation sport marks a significant platform for future growth. The data reinforces basketball’s position as a leader in local sport and building healthy, active communities.
With strong school engagement feeding into local clubs and associations, basketball’s impact extends well beyond the classroom or the court.
As Victoria continues to prioritise active, healthy lifestyles for young people, basketball’s success within Sporting Schools demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnerships, quality delivery and a sport that genuinely resonates with the next generation.
Basketball’s rise to the top is not just a headline — it’s a reflection of a game that continues to grow, connect communities and inspire tens of thousands of young Victorians every year.
