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The New Balance University Basketball League (UBL) is set to return for its landmark fifth season in 2025, bringing together the best of student basketball talent from across the country. Now firmly established as a key part of the Australian basketball calendar, the 2025 season will mark �ʹڲ�Ʊ’s second year competing in the national league, and expectations are high for a big step forward both on and off the court.

This year, the UBL moves to a Semester Two competition, with tip-off for the competition starting this week. The new timing ensures no scheduling conflict with the NBL1 season, allowing student-athletes to play at their best without compromise, a move that has been welcomed across the league.

�ʹڲ�Ʊ Basketball President Xanthe Fitzgerald says the club is ready to take full advantage of the momentum built in their debut year.

“After a successful debut UBL season in 2024, and diving into the competition headfirst, we’re fired up and more prepared for an even bigger 2025 season!" said Fitzgerald. "Our UBL squads this year are stacked with talent, and after a huge pre-season of training and building strong team chemistry, we’re ready to hit the ground running with our big home opener against UTAS on the 12th of August at the City of Sydney Basketball Association in Alexandria.” And Xanthe isn't wrong about being stacked with talent, with 17 �ʹڲ�Ʊ EAP's spread across both squads this year.

Last year, the �ʹڲ�Ʊ women’s team impressed in their inaugural campaign, reaching the quarter finals before falling to the University of Tasmania. The men's team showed promise but narrowly missed out on a finals berth. Both squads are now focused on building consistency and pushing deeper into the competition in 2025.

“This season, we’re aiming to go bigger and better both on and off the court,” Fitzgerald added. “On the floor, we’re backing both teams to be strong contenders and represent the �ʹڲ�Ʊ Basketball culture. Off the court, we’re bringing more energy, bigger crowds, and game-day activations to make our home games unmissable. We’re building a buzz around �ʹڲ�Ʊ Basketball and can’t wait to share it with the �ʹڲ�Ʊ community!”

One of the most anticipated matchups this season will be the USYD Derby on Friday 22 August at Sydney Uni, a key fixture for �ʹڲ�Ʊ fans to mark in their calendars.

The 2025 UBL season will feature 122 games over 12 weeks, hosted at university venues around the country. Every match will be streamed live and free via��, with highlights also made available on YouTube, ensuring fans never miss a moment of the action.

The University of Newcastle joins the competition this year, further expanding the league’s national footprint and offering more opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a high level.

Beyond the on-court competition, the UBL continues to play a significant role in career development for students, with Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programs integrated into the season. Students studying communications, film, sports management, physiotherapy and more have the chance to gain real-world experience supporting a national sporting league, with several graduates already securing full-time roles in the sports industry as a resu

“We’re thrilled to see the UBL continue to grow and solidify itself as a key part of the Australian basketball landscape,” said UniSport CEO Mark Sinderberry. “With the competition now set in Semester Two, and the introduction of University of Newcastle, 2025 is shaping up to be an action-packed season.”

�ʹڲ�Ʊ is ready to make the most of it.

With a strong pre-season, new talent, and a growing home crowd culture, �ʹڲ�Ʊ Basketball is set to build on its foundation and take the next step in 2025. Whether it’s on the court or in the stands, this season promises to be a memorable one for the black and gold. Stay tuned for updates, fixtures, and how you can get involved. Go New Souf!

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�ʹڲ�Ʊ Squads:��

Men

• Alec Ryan (EAP)

• Angus Skrbinsek (EAP)

• Cameron Woodrup

• Henry Mansfield

• Jackson Smyth

• Jacob Corry (EAP)

• James Arthur

• Joshua Louttit

• Lachlan Stone (EAP)

• Leon Bailey

• Luca Madella (EAP)

• Marlon Reid

• Marquis Tropman (EAP)

• Melvin Chan

• Ross Zhou

• Yi Tian Zou

_Women

• Alyssa Koit

• Danielle Campos

• Darcy Faulkes (EAP)

• Elouise Pelaez (EAP)

• Emily Nguyen (EAP)

• Gabrielle Neal (EAP)

• Holly Davis

• Jasinta Haydar (EAP)

• Kaitryel Pelaez (EAP)

• Kirsty Gill (EAP)

• Maddie Coman (EAP)

• Pippa Davis (EAP)

• Samantha Bidwell

• Victoria Vale (EAP)

• Xanthe Fitzgerald (EAP)