AFL’s David Stevenson named new NBL Chief Executive

The National Basketball League (NBL) has announced the appointment of David Stevenson as its new Chief Executive, taking on the role in time for the competition's 2023/24 season.

Stevenson joins the NBL from his role as general manager of operations at the AFL. Formerly he was chief executive of the AFL’s Western Bulldogs and vice-president and general manager of emerging markets at US sportswear giant Nike.

During more than six years with the AFL, Stevenson spearheaded the league's annual game in China between 2017 and 2019.

He was also part of the team that conceived of Gather Round, the soon-to-be-annual AFL festival held for the first time in Adelaide last weekend, and worked with the AFL on its COVID-19 response.

He is the NBL's first Chief Executive since Jeremy Loeliger moved from the position to become Commissioner in 2019.

Loeliger will remain commissioner as Stevenson looks to help the NBL continue its growth.

Commenting on his new role, Stevenson stated "I've enjoyed my time at the AFL immensely and have learned a lot from Gillon McLachlan, Travis Auld and the team over the last six-and-a-half years.

"The opportunity to join the NBL at this particular time was impossible for me to turn down as there's clearly been a revival of professional basketball in Australia and New Zealand under Larry (Kestelman, owner of the NBL) and his executive team's leadership."

Stevenson will take up his role in July.

Image: David Stevenson. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos.