Jeremy Loeliger on Bringing Japanese Teams into the NBL, the Future of the Next Stars Program, and the Biggest Hurdles the League Has Faced This Decade

Aussie Hoopla NBL & NBA Podcast

Jeremy Loeliger served as the NBL’s CEO from 2015 to 2019 before transitioning to Commissioner from 2019 to 2024.

Loeliger was instrumental in launching the NBL Next Stars program, driving the NBLxNBA preseason games, expanding the league’s reach with international tours, and building strong global partnerships. His leadership also led to groundbreaking CBA agreements with the Players’ Association and introduced new audiences to the game through NBL Oz Gaming.

In this episode, Dan Boyce sits down with Jeremy to explore a decade of shaping the NBL.

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Topics include...

• How Jeremy and Larry Kestelman took control of the NBL in 2015 (2:00)
• The first year of the ‘Kestelman Era’ and how it all began (9:00)
• The growth and success of the Australian Basketball Players’ Association (16:00)
• Early difficulties in running the NBL (19:00)
• How the NBL Next Stars program came to be (25:00) and its future (32:00)
• How close Bronny James came to playing for an NBL team (40:00)
• Future plans for the NBL and Japan’s national league working together (42:00)
• Navigating the NBL through COVID and maintaining momentum (50:00)
• The challenges of the NBL being its own primary media source (55:00)

Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring:

• Australian Basketball Legends: Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, Sam MacKinnon, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, Brad Newley
• Current NBL Stars: Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Tyler Harvey, Dejan Vasiljevic, Flynn Cameron, Keli Leaupepe, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Luke Travers, Sam Froling, Jesse Wagstaff, Tanner Krebs
• Our Finest Coaching Minds: Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer
• NBA Stars Past & Present: Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Jack White, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton
• The NBL's Greatest Imports: Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Dwayne McClain, Darnell Mee, Shawn Redhage, Al Green, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch
• The Men In Control: Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

And much more.

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