The Ballarat Basketball Association is thrilled to announce the extension of its long-standing partnership with McDonald’s Ballarat / Lamrit Pty Ltd for an additional three years. This remarkable partnership, spanning over three decades, is a testament to the Nigro Family’s unwavering commitment to grassroots basketball and the Ballarat community.
McDonald’s Ballarat has been a driving force behind the association’s success and growth, providing vital support that ensures basketball remains accessible to players of all ages and abilities. This three-year extension reaffirms McDonald’s Ballarat’s standing as one of the association’s most important partners, ensuring the association can continue to provide programs, host major events, and support the local basketball community.
Chris Thornton, BBA Partnerships and Marketing Manager praised the partnership’s impact by stating, “The support from Anthony, Phoebe, and the wider McDonald’s Ballarat team has been nothing short of extraordinary. They have been instrumental in the growth and success of our association, and their continued investment enables us to deliver opportunities that inspire and empower our players and community. This three-year extension demonstrates their belief in what we do and highlights how vital they are to everything we aim to achieve. We are incredibly thankful for their unwavering commitment and look forward to continuing this remarkable partnership.”
The Nigro Family, owners and operators of McDonald’s Ballarat, Ballan Westbound, Bacchus Marsh, Colac, Maryborough, and Warrnambool, are deeply embedded in the local community. Their family-run business has been a proud supporter of grassroots sport, investing heavily in the Ballarat region to help create pathways for young athletes to grow both on and off the court.
Reflecting on the extended partnership, Anthony Nigro, Licensee of McDonald’s in Ballarat / Lamrit Pty Ltd, said, “As a locally owned and family-operated business, we are passionate about giving back to the community that has supported us for generations. Partnering with Ballarat Basketball for over 30 years is something that we are extremely proud of, and we are excited to continue supporting the growth of basketball in the region. Grassroots sports play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of leaders, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.”
The renewed partnership also solidifies McDonald’s Ballarat’s role as the naming rights partner of the BBA’s flagship Junior Long Weekend Tournament, a marquee event on the basketball calendar that attracts teams from across Victoria and interstate. This tournament not only showcases emerging basketball talent but also contributes significantly to the region’s economy, bringing thousands of visitors to Ballarat.
Nev Ivey, CEO of Ballarat Basketball, highlighted the importance of this partnership, saying, “McDonald’s Ballarat has been a major part of our association’s journey for over 3 decades. Their continued investment ensures we can deliver high-quality programs, tournaments, and facilities that benefit players, coaches, referees, and families alike. This three-year extension is a testament to their belief in what we do and their shared vision for the future of basketball in Ballarat.”
Ballarat Basketball and McDonald’s Ballarat look forward to further strengthening their partnership and working together to inspire, connect, and grow the Ballarat basketball community over the next three years and beyond.