ACT Basketball Struggles to Retain Top Talent as Class of 2026 Looks Elsewhere
It comes as little surprise that the top basketball prospects from the ACT region are once again opting to leave in search of better opportunities. The trend of young talent heading interstate or overseas for better development pathways and exposure continues, with the 2026 class following in the footsteps of previous generations.
For years, ACT Basketball has faced challenges in keeping elite players within the territory. Unlike traditional basketball powerhouses such as Victoria or New South Wales, the ACT lacks the same level of investment, elite-level competition, and professional development programs. As a result, many of the best young players seek opportunities in stronger basketball environments where they can refine their skills, gain national recognition, and increase their chances of making it to professional leagues or college programs.
In recent years, multiple ACT players have relocated to basketball academies, prep schools, or high-performance programs in other states. Some have even pursued opportunities overseas, particularly in the United States, where high school and college basketball offer a clear pathway to professional careers. The 2026 class appears to be no different, with many top prospects already making commitments to leave the region in search of better development structures.
A major factor influencing this trend is the National Basketball League’s (NBL) Next Stars program, which has become an attractive alternative for young Australian players aiming for the NBA. While Victoria and New South Wales continue to produce top-level talent, ACT-based players have had to move away to be part of these elite development systems. Similarly, Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence, based at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra, has nurtured some of the country’s best prospects, but not all ACT players have had access to its programs.
Local coaches and basketball officials have acknowledged the difficulty of retaining top talent. While there is strong grassroots development in the ACT, the lack of high-level competition and professional infrastructure makes it challenging for young athletes to stay and develop at an elite level. Some efforts have been made to improve pathways, but without significant investment in facilities, coaching, and competition, ACT
Basketball is likely to continue losing its best players to other regions.
The departure of the 2026 class underscores the broader issue of basketball development in smaller regions of Australia. Without substantial changes to the local basketball landscape, the ACT is likely to remain a stepping stone rather than a long-term home for elite basketball prospects. As young talent continues to seek opportunities elsewhere, the territory’s ability to produce high-level players will depend on whether it can eventually provide the same level of support and opportunity as its bigger co
unterparts.
