Former Sal's National Basketball League General Manager and current Sky basketball commentator Justin Nelson has announced he will be moving to his hometown of Melbourne to join the Australian NBL in an executive role in the coming months.
Following a six-year stint in New Zealand, Nelson will embark of his next chapter in the middle of June, finishing with Sky's Commercial team on June 15 when he commentates the Hawks vs Airs game in Hawke's Bay.
Nelson prepares to depart having overseen enormous commercial and viewership growth in the Sal's NBL, both as GM and as a member of Sky's commentary team, including presiding over the inception of the G.J. Gardner Homes Tauihi, and the conception and implementation of the innovative Sky Broadband Rapid League.
Among the many initiatives Nelson spearheaded off the court he has also overseen the revamping of the Sal's NBL governance structure, attracted new sponsors, navigated a Covid affected season withe the worlds first sports bubble, helped secure a new broadcast deal with Sky, and led the charge for a new professional women's competition with player pay parity.
A thirst for change and innovation along with his passion for the fans are no doubt trademarks of his time in New Zealand. "I want to thank everyone in New Zealand for the support and opportunities afforded to me over the last six years, hopefully I have delivered on everyone’s expectations," Nelson said.
"I will take fond memories of the many new and innovative things we have achieved together. The growth of the game in New Zealand at all levels in such a short space of time has been quite remarkable."
"I of course want to thank the fans for coming on this ride, they are the lifeblood of basketball, and all sports. Without the fans we don't have teams and competitions, opportunities for athletes to earn money, fantastic media content for viewers around the world and work for us at Sky and other media."
"Looking ahead, the opportunity to join the Australian NBL in an executive position is timely as it aligns with a desire to be closer to family, especially my grandchildren who I would like to get to know."
"Until then, we all have a lot of work and excitement ahead of us. The 2025 Sal's NBL season is about to start and the race for this year's championship looks wide open. Enjoy!"
