One of Australia’s leading sports administrators has been appointed to lead the National Basketball League.

Fraser Neill will join the NBL as its new Chief Executive Officer, charged with steering the iconic Australian sporting brand through the next exciting phase of its 35-year history. His appointment comes just days after the NBL officially demerged from Basketball Australia.

Mr Neill has previously held senior management roles with the Australian Jockey Club, New Zealand and New South Wales Rugby Union and the International Rugby Board.

Mr Neill was the Chief Executive Officer of the New South Wales Rugby Union for three years from 2004 to 2007. He was the Tournaments Director for the International Rugby Board and was responsible for establishing the world Rugby Sevens Series and facilitating delivery of the 2003 Rugby World Cup. 

After 2 years in the private sector Mr Neill is now returning back to sport.
Mr Neill’s first appointment in professional sport was with the New Zealand Rugby Union as its Manager of Professional Rugby.

“This is my first role working in basketball but I am excited about the direction the NBL is heading in.  I took this position as I see the huge opportunity for the NBL to make a significant impact on the sporting landscape and that I could make a meaningful contribution to its future ,” Mr Neill said.

“Like most Australians, I remember the glory days of the NBL. The new board structure puts more emphasis on developing the NBL brand and further grow the league to be a key player in Australian sport.”

“We have a great product. My focus will be on engaging with our existing fans, bringing more people to the sport and heightening their game day experience.”

“As the NBL has been saying for the past few weeks. Young basketballers in this country should feel assured they have a strong professional league they can aspire to play in.”

Interim CEO Stephen Dunn will move into the new role of Executive Director of the NBL. He will continue to work in partnership with Mr Neill.

“We cast a wide net on our recruitment process and had interest from some very high profile sports administrators currently working in other sports across Australia,” Mr Dunn said.

“But Fraser stood out as our preferred option. He brings a wealth of sports management experience to the role and a proven ability to lead through changing times within the sporting landscape.  His skills will complement Tony Cochrane who remains focused on growing our commercial revenue, I am thrilled to have Fraser on our team.”

Mr Neill’s appointment comes on the eve of the 2013/14 NBL season. It launches in New Zealand tomorrow night with the three-time defending champions hosting Wollongong, ahead of games in Perth, Townsville and Sydney on a blockbuster opening round for the NBL.