Basketball Ballarat today announces the retirement of Chief Executive Officer Nev Ivey, effective Friday, 19 December 2025, following five years of outstanding leadership and a career spanning decades of service to the Ballarat community.
Nev was appointed CEO in October 2020, and under Nev’s leadership, Basketball Ballarat has grown significantly and gone from strength to strength. Managing 16 courts across 3 locations, the Association now supports over 640 teams and more than 6,000 participants, welcoming over 31,000 spectators annually, and delivering over 10 major events each year. These efforts generate an estimated $20 million in local economic activity, positioning Ballarat as a major regional sporting hub.
Nev’s leadership was also instrumental in Ballarat Basketball being awarded club of the year at the NBL1 awards in 2024. The same year, both Miners NBL1 teams went deep into the playoffs for many years.
A passionate advocate for both sport and community development, Nev also serves as Deputy Chair of Commerce Ballarat, broadening his impact across Ballarat’s business and civic sectors. His ability to connect government, business, and grassroots sport has helped foster inclusive and sustainable growth.
“Nev’s legacy is one of steady leadership, community care and long-term vision,” said Nathan Johnstone, Chair of the Board for Basketball Ballarat. “He’s played a key role in shaping not just our organisation, but the broader sporting and civic landscape in Ballarat. Whilst we will miss guidance and now have some big shoes to fill, we also congratulate him on a fantastic career and wish him all the very best in retirement.”
Reflecting on his time as CEO, Nev said, “It’s been an absolute privilege to lead Basketball Ballarat and to serve a community I care so deeply about. I’m proud of what we’ve built together, with our Board, staff, volunteers, clubs, and community, and I look forward to seeing the organisation continue to grow and thrive.”
Basketball Ballarat will formally advertise the role of CEO in the coming weeks.