Complete guide to 2025 Under-16 Nationals

• Bendigo secures two-year hosting rights for Foot Locker U16 National Championships from July 6 to 14, 2025
• Every under-16 boys player competing at the 2025 National Championships
• Every under-16 girls player competing at the 2025 National Championships
• All games to be played at Red Energy Arena with nationwide livestream coverage via KommunityTV

Australia's best under-16 boys and girls will take their first steps toward achieving their dreams of becoming future Australian Boomers and Opals at the 2025 National Championships in Bendigo, Victoria between July 7 and 14.

"The U16 Championships is the first time athletes get to represent their State or Territory, so it's always fascinating to see the next wave of players emerging," Basketball Australia's Competitions Manager Sarah Monck said.

"You never know if you could be watching future Boomers or Opals in the making."

Basketball Australia has committed to bringing the U16 National Championships to Bendigo for the next two years, strengthening its regional connections across the country. The tournament represents a significant opportunity for young athletes, with Bendigo's rich basketball heritage providing the perfect backdrop for tomorrow's stars.

The draw will be released on June 23, 2025.

The championships serve as a launching pad for promising careers, with Bendigo already cementing its place in Australian basketball lore as the hometown that developed Atlanta Hawks' NBA Most Improved Player of the Year guard Dyson Daniels.

As one of the country's most passionate basketball communities, Bendigo — home to the WNBL champion Spirit — continues to foster exceptional talent through its dedicated programs and world-class facilities.

"Basketball Australia is thrilled to bring the Foot Locker U16 National Championships to Bendigo for the next two years," Basketball Australia's Competitions Manager Sarah Monck said

"Hosting in Regional Victoria always creates special opportunities, and Bendigo's passionate basketball community will ensure an electric atmosphere for these championships."

The tournament marks a pivotal moment for young players, representing the first time many will don their state or territory colours in official competition.

This developmental milestone has historically spotlighted future Boomers and Opals, giving fans a glimpse of Australia's next generation of basketball talent.

• Related: Every player at the 2025 Under-18 Men's National Championships
• Related: Every player at the 2025 Under-18 Women's National Championships

City of Greater Bendigo Manager Tourism and Major Events Terry Karamaloudis said: "Greater Bendigo is delighted to host the U16 Championships at our top-class Red Energy Arena in 2024 and 2025. Basketball has a huge following in Greater Bendigo, making this an exciting opportunity to see our country's future talent on display."

Red Energy Arena's Head of Events Nicole Mcnamara added: "Red Energy Arena is absolutely thrilled to host the next two years of the Basketball Australia Under-16 National Championships. It's a fantastic opportunity to provide a platform for young athletes to shine on a national stage."

The championship schedule begins with an Opening Ceremony on Saturday, July 6, 2025 followed by inaugural fixtures featuring Victoria Country versus New South Wales Country in the girls division and Victoria Country versus Tasmania in the boys division. Competition continues through Sunday, July 14, with all games played at Red Energy Arena.

Basketball Australia has partnered with KommunityTV to deliver comprehensive livestream coverage, ensuring fans nationwide can follow every moment of the action regardless of location. This commitment to accessibility highlights the growing importance of junior pathways in Australian basketball's development structure.

The U16 National Championships have historically served as a crucial talent identification tournament, with selectors and coaches keeping a close eye on performers who might represent Australia in future international competitions. Many current professional players across the NBL, WNBL, and international leagues first made their mark at this tournament level.

Strong crowd attendance is anticipated throughout the tournament, with basketball enthusiasts — mainly parents — from across Australia expected to support the competition. The full tournament fixture and ticket information will be released on Monday, June 24, giving fans ample time to plan their attendance.

Bendigo's selection as host continues Basketball Australia's strategic focus on growing the game in regional centres while providing elite competition opportunities outside major metropolitan areas. This approach has proven successful in developing both players and basketball communities across the country.

For young athletes, the championships represent more than just competition — they offer a chance to establish themselves on the national stage, build lasting connections with teammates, and take a significant step toward potential professional careers.

With Bendigo's basketball pedigree and the high standard of facilities at Red Energy Arena, the 2024 Foot Locker U16 National Championships promise to deliver exceptional competition while showcasing the bright future of Australian basketball.

2025 Under-16 National Championships Schedule

• Saturday 5th July: Media & Training Day. Opening Ceremony – Time TBC
• Sunday 6th July: Pool Games
• Monday 7th July: Pool Games
• Tuesday 8th July: Pool Games
• Wednesday 9th July: Pool Games
• Thursday 10th July: Pool Games
• Friday 11th July: Quarter Finals & Classification Games
• Saturday 12th July: Semi Finals & Classification Games
• Sunday 13th July: Grand Finals & Play-Offs. Closing Ceremony – Time TBC