Basketball Queensland (BQ) has committed $150,000 to ten associations as part of the second round of its Facility Project Accelerator Fund, continuing its work to back the growth of basketball across Queensland.

The Accelerator Fund assists  associations with essential planning and advocacy work, with each recipient receiving up to $15,000 to support feasibility studies, concept designs, business cases, site analysis, or advocacy documents. These documents are key steps in securing new or upgraded facilities to keep pace with participation growth.

Across the country, basketball’s rapid rise in popularity is putting pressure on existing facilities (read more), and Queensland is no exception. Participation has grown by 96% over the past five years, and this growth has presented significant challenges for the sport, prompting Basketball Queensland to produce a Facilities Strategy outlining the urgent need for more courts across the state.

“Our new Facilities Strategy shows we’re 223 courts short, leaving more than 10,000 young people on waiting lists as venues reach capacity. It is imperative that we are able to get more Queenslanders active now instead of sitting at home unable to access their sport of choice. ,” said Basketball Queensland CEO Joshua Pascoe.

Each of these associations faces the challenge of rising participation with limited court availability, often operating in facilities already at capacity. The funding will help associations prepare the groundwork to secure further government or council support for their projects.

“This fund helps associations take the next step, whether it’s a feasibility study or a concept design, so they’re ready when funding opportunities arise. It’s about making sure we can keep pace with the sport’s growth and give more people the chance to play,” said Pascoe. 

This second round of the Facility Project Accelerator Fund is designed to give associations the tools to plan and advocate for the facilities they need at a time when court access has become the number one priority for many associations.

Leaders from the funded associations have welcomed the opportunity to take meaningful steps forward in their planning and development efforts.

“This funding will help us take the necessary next step to expand our facilities so that we can keep up with the demand in our community. It is a big step forward to ensure that we can continue to welcome more members and families to enjoy the sport of basketball on the Fraser Coast,” said Matthew Baker, President of Hervey Bay Basketball.

“This funding is crucial to the growth of our basketball association as it allows us to improve facilities and increase access for players of all ages and abilities. This support empowers us to develop local talent, foster community engagement, and build a stronger, more inclusive sporting environment,” said Mika Vukona, General Manager of the South West Metro Pirates.

Basketball Queensland will continue to work closely with its associations to support facility upgrades and new developments, ensuring that more Queenslanders can get on court and stay active through basketball.