Jerril Rechter announces departure from Chief Executive role at Basketball Australia

The Board of Basketball Australia has announced today that Jerril Rechter, the NSO’s Chief Executive since February 2019, will be leaving her role as of 1st April.

Rechter’s departure from the role comes just months before the Boomers and Opals contest the Tokyo Olympics and follows the release of a review of the sport by the Australian Human Rights Commission, which detailed claims of a "white boys' club" mentality and casual racism limiting opportunities for players and staff within the organisation.

Marking the departure of another head of a major sport in Australia - with Chief Executive roles currently vacant at Swimming Australia and Netball Australia - Rechter’s leaving, reportedly on good terms, is believed to have come about due to a frustration at being able to effect cultural change with the sport.

Commenting on her departure, Rechter stated "I am pleased to have had the opportunity to lead Basketball Australia and to achieve outcomes in the areas of diversity, growth, participation and high performance.

"I thank the many stakeholders in government, commercial partners and the basketball community who have collaborated with the organisation and shared in the vision for the sport."

Acknowledging her contributions to the sport, Basketball Australia Chair, Ned Coten advised "Jerril leaves us with a strong overarching strategy and having delivered a successful WNBL season, our first diversity and inclusion framework, a reconciliation action plan and a high-level strategy for women and girls.

"The Board sincerely thanks her for her contribution and we wish her well in her future endeavours."

Rechter departs the sport having successfully led it through the COVID-19 global pandemic and a number of initiatives including the development of a new strategic plan, funding and broadcast deals, the organisation’s inaugural diversity and inclusion plus reconciliation action plans, delivery of the successful 2020 Chemist Warehouse WNBL season in a hub format, and the awarding of the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup to Australia.

Rechter (pictured) will continue to serve the community via her current Board Directorships, including the AFL’s Western Bulldogs, and by working with organisations with an innovation and change agenda.

The Board of Basketball Australia will appoint an interim Chief Executive while they conduct an executive search to fill the role permanently.