Jennie Sager has been appointed as the next CEO of the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), commencing the role in the new year.
Sager, who has previously played basketball at an elite level during college, will head up the league in its new era, when Wollemi Capital Group Syndicate (WCGS) and the NBL acquire the company in April next year.
With experience working for Nine Entertainment, Viacom/MTV, Twitter and as the current Global Head of Brand and Consumer Marketing at Nextdoor, Sager has a strong vision for the WNBL and is looking forward to leading it with pride.
“The WNBL represents the pinnacle of women’s basketball in Australia, and I am honoured to take on this role,” Sager said.
“I look forward to building on the League’s impressive legacy, listening to and learning from our talented players, dedicated teams, supporters, and key stakeholders, and finding new ways to connect with basketball fans across the country and the globe.
“Together, we will work to further the WNBL’s reputation as a premier destination for women’s basketball while driving greater representation and success for women in sport.”
Sager is currently the chair of the Australian Women in Music Awards and director on the board of Sydney’s City Recital Hall.
Her experience in business is coupled with her continued strong ties to basketball, both at an elite level and in grassroots associations.
Sager hopes to strengthen community ties within the game, and prioritise the financial sustainability of the WNBL through building meaningful partnerships. She also envisions a league that supports its players as professional athletes, drives digital innovation to grow local and global audiences, and inspires future generations of players and fans for the women’s game.
Sager will commence her role as CEO of the WNBL on January 2, 2025.
Last month, the NBL joined venture capital organisation WCGS to finalise an agreement to acquire a majority interest in the WNBL.
From April 2 next year, the consortium between WCGS and the NBL will assume control of the WNBL, Australia’s oldest professional women’s sporting league. The agreement marks a significant moment for women’s basketball in the country.
On Sager’s appointment, Robyn Denholm, the founder of WCGS, said Sager’s appointment was an “exciting step in building a strong and promising future for the WNBL and women’s sports in Australia”.
“We look forward to working with Jennie and the team as we prepare for the 25/26 season to re-launch the WNBL and elevate women’s basketball across Australia,” Denholm said.
Victoria Denholm, the executive director of WCGS, said Sager brings “a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to this position”.
“Her expertise at the intersection of technology, audience engagement, and platforms makes her uniquely positioned to bring a fresh, strategic perspective to the WNBL,” she said.
David Stevenson, the CEO of the NBL, said the announcement of Sager’s appointment marks “a bold new direction for the WNBL and its clubs”.
“Under her guidance, we are confident the WNBL will achieve greater visibility, inspire the next generation, and reach new heights on and off the court,” Stevenson said.
“Her ability to foster meaningful partnerships and amplify the stories of our athletes will ensure the WNBL thrives in an increasingly competitive sports market.”
Basketball Australia will retain a minority shareholding in the WNBL following WCGS and the NBL’s acquisition of the WNBL.