NBL franchise owners press Larry Kestelman to disclose confidential Basketball Australia report

A coalition of Australian NBL franchise owners, including South East Melbourne Phoenix (owner Romie Chaudhari), Perth Wildcats (owner Mark Arena) and Illawarra Hawks (owner Jared Novelly), has formed an independent owners' association and is demanding that Basketball Australia release a secret governance review report prepared by former solicitor‑general Justin Gleeson. The Gleeson report cleared majority owner Larry Kestelman of any wrongdoing, but Basketball Australia has refused public release citing confidentiality.

The owners argue that full transparency is essential for the sport’s integrity, urging the league and Basketball Australia to waive confidentiality and publish the findings. Basketball Australia said the report cannot be released, while the Australian Sports Commission and Sports Minister Anika Wells have not been provided a copy. Sport Integrity Australia declined to comment.