- Basketball fans score huge three-pointer as Inaugural Women's National Basketball League pre-season tournament comes to Townsville.
- 'Townsville Tip-Off' will feature all eight WNBL teams in one location, and delivers on the Crisafulli Government's Destination 2045 plan to bring more sporting events to Queensland and boost tourism.
- Queenslanders have now seen 10 months of delivering for the tourism sector under the Crisafulli Government, after 10 years of decline under the former Labor Government.
The Crisafulli Government has announced a blockbuster basketball tournament has been secured for north Queensland, bringing all eight Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) teams to Townsville for an action-packed weekend.
The WNBL Townsville Tip-Off '25 is the league's first ever stand-alone preseason tournament, giving basketball fans the opportunity to see eight games over three days at Townsville Stadium, in a major win for the city.
More than 200 players, coaches, staff and team officials and up to 6,000 fans are expected to attend the matches and community events from 25 to 28 September.
The Crisafulli Government's visionary tourism road map – Destination 2045 – includes a dedicated events fund to support Queensland's vision to be Australia's home of events with more sport, concerts and cultural events.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the event was a coup for Queensland.
"The Crisafulli Government is continuing to cement Queensland's place as a key sporting destination, securing another major event in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games," Minister Mander said.
"Townsville provides the perfect backdrop for the inaugural pre-season tournament, and it will be a real treat for basketball fans with the top women's teams in the country, including the highly successful Townsville Fire, together in one place.
"Free community activities will take place alongside the games, sharing the excitement of the event, bringing the community together and inspiring participation in basketball."
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said events like the WNBL Blitz were major drivers for visitors to regional Queensland.
"We know sports fans will travel far and wide for their teams, and to see the best action," said Minister Powell.
"That's why under our Destination 2045 Tourism Plan, we have a laser-like focus on bringing events like these to Queensland."
Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said the tournament would be a great win for the city's local economy.
"With players, staff and fans coming into town, we'll see a real boost for local tourism, hospitality and businesses," Mr Baillie said.
"From community events and activities along the Strand to the action at Townsville Stadium, the WNBL Tip-Off is a chance to show off everything Townsville has to offer to the rest of Australia."
WNBL CEO Jennie Sager said the preseason tournament offered fans an unmissable opportunity to see the league's best talent in action.
"Townsville has an incredibly passionate community of basketball fans and with the Townsville Fire celebrating their 25th year, there is no better place to showcase women's basketball," Ms Sager said.
"We are incredibly grateful for the support from the Queensland Government, The Townsville Fire, and Townsville Stadium for bringing the inaugural Townsville Tip-Off to life."
Townsville Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said she was thrilled the inaugural WNBL Tip-Off would be held in Townsville Fire territory over three action-packed days.
"We have a fantastic basketball community here in Townsville. From grassroots juniors making their way through the ranks, to our four-time WNBL champions, the Townsville Fire - so I know the WNBL Tip-Off will be welcomed with open arms," Cr Greaney said.
"As my fellow Councillor and WNBL superstar Suzy Batkovic says - if you can see it, you can be it - and the WNBL Tip-Off is set to bring more than 200 world-class players and officials to our region over multiple days so there will certainly be plenty to see. I'm really looking forward to our community getting amongst the action."
Townsville Enterprise Director Visitor Economy and Marketing Lisa Woolfe said the announcement was further proof of Townsville's reputation as a premier sporting destination.
"Securing the inaugural WNBL Tip-Off is a major win for Townsville and another proud moment for a region that has become synonymous with elite sporting events in Northern Australia.
"This exciting event not only showcases our city on the national stage but also inspires and supports grassroots sporting development across North Queensland. We're thrilled to work with organisers to bring this tournament to life and look forward to seeing it grow and thrive in the years ahead."
The WNBL Townsville Tip-Off is supported by the Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympics Games, Tourism and Events Queensland and Townsville City Council through Townsville Enterprise.
