"Own identity": Why WNBL Tassie won't be named Jack Jumpers

Handing the ninth WNBL franchise to Tasmania was an "easy decision", according to CEO Jennie Sager who has hailed it a historic day for women's basketball.

It was confirmed on Tuesday morning that the Jack Jumpers would be affiliated with the new team but that they would secure their own identity before entering the leave for 2026-27.

It marks the first time since the Hobart Islanders in 1996, Tasmania will field a team based within the state, following the immense success of the Tasmanian JackJumpers in the NBL.

"It is such an exciting and historic day in Australia," she told SEN's Drive Home. "To be able to announce a ninth team shows the momentum behind women’s basketball in Australia.

"Numbers are at an all time high, so it really is the right time to be expanding.

"You have to look at all the factors. The Jack Jumpers ticked all the boxes. The community engagement is very strong.

"It was a pretty easy decision."

While the NRLW, AFLW and WBBL have all followed their male counterparts when it comes to naming conventions, said the WNBL would be following their American counterparts in securing individual identities.

"It’s important for the women’s league to have their own identity," she continued. "We don’t want to feel like the women’s is just a part two, so we have opened up for fan feedback on a name.

"Some of this has come from direct feedback from athletes.

"Look at the WNBA as a great example, it’s what they do it’s been hugely successful. The Valkyries this season were selling out before the season started."

Former WNBA and WNBL player Kayla Steindl has been appointed Tasmania’s WNBL assistant GM.

Currently made up of eight teams, the WNBL has called for expressions of interest as they look to add a 10th team for the 2026-27 season alongside Tasmania.

Tasmanian JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan said the addition of the ninth team in Tasmania was a proud moment.

“This is an incredibly proud day for this club and for the State of Tasmania. We are so proud to expand the club to now have an inspirational and aspirational pathway for both girls and boys,” said Finnegan.

“We are thrilled to have secured the first expansion license and to now begin to build a successful and sustainable women’s program, building on the strong foundations that have already been established and expand our footprint and impact on the state.”