Basketball is one of Australia’s fastest-growing sports, and with more people playing than ever before, the game needs the right foundations to support its future and realise its ambition to become the nation’s largest team sport by 2040.
The Game Development Levy (GDL) is a key mechanism helping to build these foundations - strengthening the systems, pathways and support structures that will shape basketball for the next generation.
Why the GDL Matters
As the national governing body for the sport, Basketball Australia is responsible for ensuring basketball is safe, inclusive and accessible for all Australians across all ages, genders, abilities and backgrounds.
As participation continues to rise, so do the expectations on our systems, facilities, development pathways and the overall experience for players, coaches, officials and volunteers.
The GDL directly supports this growth by:
- strengthening athlete, coach and referee pathways
- improving behaviour management and support for officials
- enhancing coaching and officiating education
- supporting facility advocacy and government engagement
- delivering digital solutions that make accessing and participating in basketball easier
- ensuring the sport remains safe, welcoming and enjoyable at every level
These investments ensure basketball keeps pace with demand and continues to thrive as Everybody’s Game.
What is the GDL?
Since 1 January 2024, Basketball Australia has collected $5.00 (+GST) per participant as part of their annual registration. This money is reinvested directly into vital projects and initiatives aligned with the 2040 Vision.
Through the GDL, basketball is investing in the foundations that will ensure the sport becomes the largest, most inclusive and most connected team sport in Australia.
What is the GDL funding?
In just under two years, funds from the GDL have driven work across three key areas -
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Digital Transformation |
Digital Transformation is a primary focus of GDL investment, building the systems, data foundations and digital experiences needed for a stronger, more connected basketball ecosystem. This includes establishing the Basketball Cloud as the sport’s single, secure national data environment - improving data quality, enabling consistent reporting, strengthening governance, and creating the foundations for future automated insights. These enhancements will make it easier for players, coaches, officials and volunteers to engage with the sport, from registration through to learning and development. |
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Officiating |
The GDL is driving a major uplift in officiating nationwide, introducing a nationally consistent pathway that strengthens how referees, referee coaches, scoretable officials and statisticians learn and progress. A modern national curriculum, built on internationally recognised models such as FTEM, provides clear learning outcomes, assessment tools and practical competencies from junior domestic through to elite levels. New online modules, updated resources and flexible pricing are making education more accessible, while national templates, resource guides and a unified communication approach ensure consistent standards and clearer progression for officials everywhere. |
| Coaching |
The GDL is helping to establish a unified, nationally consistent coaching framework that supports coaches at every stage of their journey. Guided by extensive research and national consultation, the framework provides clear pathways, modern accreditation, and practical learning resources that emphasise technical development, safety and inclusive coaching practice. New online tools including an introductory coaching resource, self-reflection assessments and updated learning modules are making education more accessible, while a “train the trainer” approach is strengthening the capability of coach developers across the country. Together, these initiatives create a clearer, more supported coaching experience and ensure coaches can progress confidently within a consistent national system. |
Find out more about the GDL and how it’s helping shape the future of the game below:
Who is required to pay the levy?
The levy applies to anyone actively playing basketball in 3x3, 5v5 or other endorsed iteration of Australian basketball competitions.
How often is it charged?
The levy is an annual fee. Each player will only pay it once regardless of the number of teams they register with.
Will the levy be increased?
Basketball Australia has committed to retaining the levy at $5.00 (+ GST) until 2027 at which time the Consumer Price Index (CPI) will be added to the fee. This will be capped at 5%.
How is the levy collected?
The levy is automatically collected when players register with their club or association.
What will the GDL support in 2026?
In 2026, GDL funds will continue to strengthen basketball’s digital ecosystem, evolving the sport’s digital foundations to deliver a more seamless experience for all users. Investment will also be directed toward infrastructure, supporting advocacy for improved facilities across the country. In addition, the GDL will fund the implementation of a national Safe Sport framework, ensuring basketball is delivered safely, inclusively and responsibly at every level of the game.
