Basketball On The Internet.

CHEMIST Warehouse today revealed as naming rights sponsor for the WNBL while also throwing its weight behind our seven national women’s teams, is huge news for the sport in Australia.

It’s a three-year commitment as well which not only will see our elite competition known as the Chemist Warehouse WNBL and our national women’s team the Chemist Warehouse Opals, but also see its partnership extend to our other women's national teams.

These include the Australian wheelchair team (Gliders), Under-25 wheelchair team (Devils), Under-25 national team (Emerging Opals), Under-19 national team (Gems), Under-17 national team (Sapphires) and the intellectually impaired team (Pearls).

“The popularity of basketball in Australia has never been higher and the quality of our athletes never better, so this is a perfect time for Chemist Warehouse to partner with Basketball Australia,” said Basketball Australia chief executive, Anthony Moore.

The FIBA Women’s World Cup in Spain this September has the Opals under new coach Sandy Brondello hot in pursuit of a return to the medal dais. The Gliders also are chasing a podium finish at IWBF World Championships in Germany next month.

The Sapphires defend their Gold medal at the FIBA Under-17 World Cup next month.

Sally Phillips, Head of the WNBL, said so much had been achieved for the women’s game over the past 12-18 months.

“We’re back on television, we now have a major naming rights sponsor and we have a minimum wage,” she said.

NAMING RIGHTS: Steph Blicavs, Tess Madgen, Monique Conti, Jenna O'Hea at the announcement.

FOX SPORTS is a genuine WNBL partner, keen to continue to grow the game.

“It’s incredible to have a brand such as Chemist Warehouse on board,” Phillips said.

“We couldn’t be more excited.

“To have a brand such as Chemist Warehouse, who will feature our athletes, is going to be great for our visibility.

“They genuinely care about the future of our league, our clubs and our athletes.

“Chemist Warehouse’s support will ensure the WNBL can continue to gain momentum and strive forward into an exciting future.”

Chemist Warehouse’s chief operations officer, Mario Tascone said the company was excited about the partnership with the WNBL and BA.

“We understand this journey will present many opportunities and we’re fortunate to be able to assist the Opals and the WNBL in continuing to develop the women’s league into one of Australia’s premier women’s sporting competitions, which is something that is very special to us,” Tascone said.