The UC Capitals and ACT Government agree to landmark $1.7 million partnership

The University of Canberra Capitals have officially announced the ACT Government’s continued of its support for the club, with $1.7 million being injected to the program across the next four years through to 2029.  

The commitment strengthens the club’s position as one of the ACT’s premier sporting teams and further establishes the pathway to elite professional basketball in the Territory. It aligns with the new WNBL collective bargaining agreement, which will see pro women’s basketball salaries significantly increase over the course of the next four years.  

“For years, we have worked with the government to build a strong relationship that has been instrumental setting the foundation of basketball and women’s sport in Canberra,” said Capitals Executive General Manager Christy Collier-Hill.

“This deal means that we can invest more into building the Caps as a model of what a professional sports franchise should look like in Australia and give our players the relevant support they need as pro athletes.”

The funding increase also allows the Capitals to pour more resources into community and grassroots basketball programs, as basketball becomes the fastest growing sportin the region.  

“Withbasketball rapidly growing domestically and internationally, it is importantthat we continue to build and support programs that will give aspiring youngathletes access and a platform for growth,” said Collier-Hill.

“We want ouryoung basketballers to keep playing the sport and maybe we can inspire some ofthem to forge a path towards elite pathways like what Zara Russell and AbbySolway have done.”

ACT Ministerfor Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry said that the partnership will help supportyoung athletes seeking a potential pathway into professional sport.

“We want ouryoung athletes to see a future in professional sport and know that theircommunity is behind them as they chase that dream,” she said.

“Our fundingwill support the very exciting growth in the game, and ensure our elite teamsare funded appropriately so that players can look to have full time employmentthrough basketball.

“This investment will also help the UC Capitalsto meet the WNBL’s new minimum standards and enable the team to continue tohost home games at the AIS Arena.”