Transgender player gets approval to compete in NBL1 competition

Basketball Victoria is reported to be on the verge of approving an application for a transgender player to compete in the elite NBL1 South women’s competition.

Five years after Hannah Mouncey was banned by the AFL before the 2017 AFLW draft, the athlete is seeking to play for Kilsyth in the NBL1 South women’s competition.

Basketball Victoria yesterday confirmed a tweet from former NBA star and Sydney Kings part-owner Andrew Bogut, who said a “biological man” was set to play in the upcoming season.

The governing body of the semi-professional league told SEN that the application process steered by basketball and medical experts was at its final stage.

Basketball Victoria then provided a statement, which advised that “we … have a transgender athlete application for the 2023 NBL1 South season. That athlete has waited for a process of eligibility to be put in place.

“She has completed/submitted all medical and physical requirements and testing that’s been required of her and further documentation as it has been requested.

“Basketball Victoria in collaboration with Basketball Australia are working through the final stages of eligibility of the athlete for the 2023 season.”

Basketball Victoria has been working with Basketball Australia to deliver a set of guidelines on the inclusion of transgender and gender diverse people in the sport.

The state body advised “these guidelines support participation opportunities for transgender athletes while balancing fairness, inclusion and safety, particularly for Victorian senior representative leagues such as NBL1 South, Big V and CBL.”

Advising that the new guidelines aimed to provide guidance and support for associations at the community and participation level, with inclusion and safety of all participants the primary focus,

Basketball Victoria Chief Executive, Nick Honey explained “it is important that all athletes participate in an inclusive, fair, safe and respectful environment and we hope all in the community can move forward together with a clear understanding of the new guidelines” Honey said.

Basketball Australia has not publicly, directly addressed the situation, but it is reported the player has met the eligibility requirements and will play for a Victorian team during the 2023 season.

The decision sparked immediate debate across Australian basketball when it was first revealed on Monday, fuelled by comments made by Bogut.

Lower image shows NBA star and Sydney Kings part-owner Andrew Bogut's tweet advising that a “biological man” was set to play in the NBL1 South women’s competition.