Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay partnership
Sunshine Coast Rip City and Moreton Bay Suns Announce Strategic Partnership
Sunshine Coast Rip City is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Moreton Bay Suns as part of its bid to re-enter the NBL1 competition and participate in the 2025 NBL1 North season.
Rip City President Jason Brooks expressed his excitement for the collaboration, highlighting the significant opportunities it brings for player development, sponsorship, and the growth of basketball in the region.
“Through collaboration, we’re broadening our foothold in the region with like-minded organisations that are focused on growing the game and providing pathways for our athletes,” Brooks said.
“The benefits of the partnership will far exceed the NBL1 program, with planned interclub competition and representative friendly tournaments prior to the SQJBC season and State Championships.”
Moreton Bay Basketball President Chris McKenna said this partnership marks an exciting new chapter for both clubs as they work together to elevate the sport of basketball in their communities.
“Both clubs are in growth regions in south-east Queensland and it’s a very exciting time for basketball as the sport grows and we build towards the 2032 Olympics,” McKenna said.
“Like Rip City, our purpose and primary focus is on development for the sport that we love. This partnership will see the sport further grow in our communities.”
The interclub competition will also include Gympie, which has recently partnered with Rip City’s junior representative program, further strengthening the regional basketball community.
Brooks emphasized that the NBL1 Alive in 2025 bid is progressing well as the club enters the application process.
“We know with a year out of the NBL1 North competition how much our members, sponsors, and supporters missed it,” Brooks said.
“Hosting the NBL1 National Championships at UniSC Arena showcased how much it means to the club, and the enthusiasm and willingness of our volunteers was encouraging.”
Despite the year out, Brooks noted that it has been a successful period for the club, allowing them to strengthen their foundations and renew their focus on development.
Brooks also announced that NBL1 sponsorship opportunities are open, with several ongoing sponsors and new sponsors already committed to the NBL1 Alive in 2025 bid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a merger? No. This is a strategic partnership to broaden our group of supporters and sponsors with a focus on collaboration that will help grow the game in two growth region communities.
Will NBL1 games be played in Moreton Bay? Yes, if Rip City’s bid to re-enter the NBL1 competition is successful, up to 3 games will be played in Moreton Bay with the majority of home games played at UniSC Arena.
Will this affect QSL and QSYL? No. Sunshine Coast Rip City and Moreton Bay Suns will still field their respective teams in the QSL and QSYL. The partnership will however help facilitate pre-season games.
Will QSL players be eligible to play in NBL1? If our re-entry is successful, Sunshine Coast Rip City QSL players will be eligible to play in NBL1. The NBL1 team will be a Sunshine Coast Rip City team. The collaboration allows the NBL1 program to take a few games to Moreton Bay and help further grow the game in our region
How can I help? There are a number of sponsorship opportunities and volunteer opportunities – every contribution counts. Reach out to President Jason Brooks president@uscbasketball.com.au to be part of Rip City’s Alive in 25 bid.
Do juniors pay a fee to support the NBL1 program? No. It’s important to the Rip City committee that our junior players have don’t pay a single cent for our NBL1 program.
Are there any other benefits of the partnership? Rip City and Moreton Bay share a purpose and primary focus on the development of players, coaches, and referees. This partnership will see the sport further grow in our region through an interclub competition. The interclub competition will also include teams from Gympie, which has recently partnered with Rip City’s junior representative program.
