Basketball Belongs to Everyone: Sal’s NBL Launches 2025 Inclusive Round
The Sal’s National Basketball League (Sal’s NBL) is proud to celebrate the 2025 Inclusive Round, a league-wide initiative championing diversity and reinforcing that basketball is a game for all, regardless of age, background, or ability. Now in its third year, Inclusive Round highlights the league’s ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment both on and off the court.
Taking place across Rounds 14 and 15 from June 18 to June 29, Inclusive Round 2025 sees the Sal’s NBL once again teaming up alongside community organisations from across the motu to shine a spotlight on athletes and organisations from a diverse set of backgrounds and the role they play in the wider basketball whānau.
"Basketball has the power to connect us all," says Maree Taylor, General Manager of Leagues. “Inclusive Round is a celebration of that connection, of the passion, talent, and spirit that lives in every athlete, coach, and fan. We’re incredibly proud to stand with our community and continue building a league where everyone can feel seen and valued."
Throughout the round, Sal’s NBL teams are embracing inclusion in a variety of ways, from open training sessions and half-time Unified games to courtside acknowledgements of athletes, volunteers, and community champions who make inclusion possible.
Unified Sports, where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities compete together on the same team, will feature at several games as part of the matchday experience. Fans will have the chance to see first-hand what inclusive sport looks like in action.
"No matter who you are, basketball is the game for all New Zealanders, and the Sal's NBL Inclusion Round celebrates everyone's connection to Aotearoa's basketball community." says Matt Vernick, Disability and Inclusion Lead for Basketball New Zealand.
The 2025 round builds on strong foundations laid in previous years, with teams across the country activating in ways that reflect their unique communities. Whether that’s welcoming Special Olympics athletes to display their skills to NBL crowds, running skills sessions with local inclusive clubs, or highlighting stories of resilience and achievement across social and digital channels, the spirit of inclusion will be on full display.
From Auckland to Invercargill, Inclusive Round is a reminder that basketball is more than just wins and losses. It’s a shared experience that unites us in purpose, celebrates our differences, and opens the door for everyone to take part.
Join us from June 18 to June 29 as we stand for inclusion, celebrate community, and embrace the power of basketball to make a difference.
