2 December 2025

Jane Howlett, Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events

Nick Duigan, Minister for Sport

Tasmanians will soon be able to cheer for another state-based team, when the newly named Tasmanian Jewels enter the WNBL competition.

The Tasmanian team was announced for inclusion in the WNBL competition in 2026 earlier this year, making an historic moment for women’s sport.

Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Jane Howlett, said the introduction of the Tasmania Jewels into the competition built on the success of basketball and the JackJumpers.

“The launch of the Tasmania Jewels is another step forward, not only for women’s basketball in Tasmania, but a clear demonstration that women’s sport continues to grow,” Minister Howlett said.

“Tasmanians are incredibly proud of the JackJumpers and what they have achieved after only four years in the NBL.

“Sport has the power to bring people together and foster state pride.

"The JackJumpers have achieved this in spades and I’m sure the Jewels will do the same when they take to the court."

Minister for Sport, Nick Duigan, said we want all Tasmanians to be able to participate in sport and active recreation.

"The influx of young people wanting to play sports like basketball in Tasmania as a result of the JackJumper's team is undoubtedly a positive," Minister Duigan said.

"I can't wait to see even more Tasmanians be inspired and take to the court when our WNBL team enters the competition.

"Importantly, our Government is delivering significant funding to increase the number and quality of indoor courts statewide.

"We are investing more than $116.7 million into basketball courts across Tasmania.

"That includes the Northern Recreation Hub which will have 11 courts, four courts at the Glenorchy Sports Centre and six new courts at Devonport.

"Importantly, the courts in the Jack Jumpers High Performance Centre in Kingston will also be able to be accessed by the community when not in use by the Jack Jumpers.

“We know that women’s sport continues to grow strongly in Tasmania and the Government is committed to seeing this continue.”