‘Genuinely disappointing’: Former WNBL boss breaks silence over shock departure

Former WNBL boss Jennie Sager has broken her silence after her shock departure calling the league’s ownership group’s decision to make the CEO role redundant as ‘genuinely disappointing’ and hinting what the leadership structure will now look like.

Sager departed the role last week after 15 months in charge and spearheading the WNBL’s biggest season in history which saw crowd figures up 43 per cent, broadcast up 130 per cent, YouTube views up 1,237 per cent and website views up 74 per cent.

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The league also announced a new CBA for players which more than doubled the minimum wage, expansion with two new teams entering the competition, female coaches increased from one to four this upcoming season, while new commercial sponsors came on board including global makeup brand Sephora.

“Women’s sports doesn’t need a seat at the table. It needs its own table,” Sager started her post on LinkedIn.

“The decision to make the WNBL CEO role redundant, folding it into the broader NBL Group structure, is one I find genuinely disappointing.”

The NBL and Wollemi Capital Group formed a consortium in 2024 to take control of the WNBL.

While the new structure is yet to be confirmed, Sager’s post was critical of moving the two leagues under the one roof.

“I believe women’s sport leagues are strongest when they have dedicated leadership and a staff that wakes up every day solely focused on driving them forward. In order to climb the mountain that exists, women’s sport needs an independent voice and mandate

“That’s not a criticism. It’s a conviction. We’ve seen other women’s leagues suffer under this model, while we’ve watched those that operate independently thrive

“I leave knowing the WNBL is in a better place than I found it, with a stronger and more engaged fan base locally and globally, better conditions for the athletes, and momentum to continue pushing forward

“To the players, the clubs, the staff, the fans: you are the reason the interest in the WNBL is at an all-time high. I’ll be cheering you on loudly from the stands.”

The Wollemi Group responded to Sager’s statement, telling foxsports.com.au: “The WNBL and NBL have worked closely together across the last season to grow women’s basketball across Australia and that partnership will continue.

“While the CEO role has been made redundant as part of the evolving operating model, our commitment to creating a world-class women’s basketball league is stronger than ever. The WNBL will continue to have its own dedicated focus, ownership, and governance structure to achieve this goal and is not being absorbed into the NBL.

“We are shaping a model to better support delivery for our fans, clubs, players, and one that continues to build a strong future for the WNBL. We look forward to sharing further details in due course.”