Jennie Sager appointed as next WNBL Chief Executive

Wollemi Capital Group Syndicate (WCGS) and the National Basketball League (NBL) have named Jennie Sager as the next Chief Executive of the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) with Sager’s role effective 2nd January 2025.

Robyn Denholm, Wollemi Capital Group Syndicate founder enthused “this is an exciting step in building a strong and promising future for the WNBL and women’s sports in Australia.

“We look forward to working with Jennie and the team as we prepare for the 25/26 season to re-launch the WNBL and elevate women’s basketball across Australia.”

A globally recognised leader in the entertainment, media, and technology sectors, Sager brings a wealth of experience and an innovative approach as the WNBL enters an exciting new chapter following its acquisition by WCGS and the NBL on 2nd April 2025.

Sager’s distinguished career spans global roles with major organisations including Nine Entertainment, Viacom/MTV, Twitter, and Nextdoor. She is passionate about basketball having played at an elite level in college and is strongly connected with grassroots basketball through her local association. She is currently the Chair of the Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) and a Director of Sydney’s City Recital Hall. Her leadership in spearheading transformative projects, fostering community impact, and empowering women makes her a game-changer for the WNBL.

Sager shared “the WNBL represents the pinnacle of women’s basketball in Australia, and I am honoured to take on this role.

“I look forward to building on the League’s impressive legacy, listening to and learning from our talented players, dedicated teams, supporters, and key stakeholders, and finding new ways to connect with basketball fans across the country and the globe. Together, we will work to further the WNBL’s reputation as a premier destination for women’s basketball while driving greater representation and success for women in sport.”

Sager’s vision for the WNBL centres on strengthening community connections, building meaningful partnerships to ensure financial sustainability, elevating support for players as professional athletes, and driving digital innovation to grow local and global audiences. These initiatives will position the League as a leader in women’s sport and inspire future generations of players and fans.

Victoria Denholm, WCGS Executive Director added “Jennie brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to this position. Her expertise at the intersection of technology, audience engagement, and platforms makes her uniquely positioned to bring a fresh, strategic perspective to the WNBL.”

David Stevenson, NBL Chief Executive advised “Jennie’s appointment signals a bold new direction for the WNBL and its clubs.

“Under her guidance, we are confident the WNBL will achieve greater visibility, inspire the next generation, and reach new heights on and off the court. Her ability to foster meaningful partnerships and amplify the stories of our athletes will ensure the WNBL thrives in an increasingly competitive sports market.”  

Sager was appointed through an extensive international search with Elevate Talent, who were strong and professional partners throughout the recruitment process.

Basketball Australia will continue to oversee the current WNBL season and operations until 1st April  2025, before the League transitions to WCGS and the NBL. Basketball Australia will retain a minority stake moving forward.

Image. Jennie Sager. Credit: NBL