Courtesy of Pelicans YouTube Channel
The National Basketball League (NBL) has gradually transformed from a regional competition to one of the most admired basketball leagues worldwide. The NBL is expanding its global presence under Nikola Milivojevic’s leadership. Moreover, redefining the ways in which domestic leagues can coexist and collaborate within the larger basketball ecosystem that is led by the NBA, EuroLeague, and FIBA.
Milivojevic, who is both NBL Director and Board Member, envisions a bright future for the league, one that keeps strengthening its reputation as the leading destination for elite talent and player development.
“Our vision is to be the best domestic league in the world outside of the NBA,” Milivojevic said. “EuroLeague is incredible, but it’s multinational. We want to be the top single-country competition.”
Australia’s growing basketball culture and the league’s ability to attract talent from around the world are the reasons for that ambition. The NBL has become a symbol of opportunity, especially for young athletes who are hoping to make the jump to the NBA. Milivojevic and his team take the league’s role as a way to get to the next level instead of competing for players.
“Through our Next Stars program and club development pathways, we’re proud to be a route for players looking to reach or return to the NBA,” he explained. “Most leagues fight to keep talent; we see opportunity in helping players move forward.”
The philosophy of open-doors has been successful. LaMelo Ball and Josh Giddey, two NBA-caliber players, have been the result of the NBL’s Next Stars program, which was introduced in 2018. Karim Lopez and Dash Daniels are projected to carry on that trend, with expectations of reaching the top 10 of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Milivojevic states that the program’s success comes from its collective support and the league’s intentional design to imitate NBA standards.
“The entire league supports Next Stars, not just one club. That collective investment is what makes it unique,” he said. “We’ve built the league to mirror the NBA—same pace, similar possession counts, and competition against grown professionals fighting for their livelihoods. Scouts know if you succeed here, you’re NBA-ready.”
The outcomes speak volumes. Nine NBL players have been drafted into the NBA since the program’s launch, and it is expected that there will be more in the future. The league is in the process of creating a dedicated Next Stars team that would enhance player development and visibility. Milivojevic hopes to increase the league’s influence in the future. The NBL aims to have 50 NBA-experienced players and produce four to five first-round draft picks every year in the next five years. Milivojevic’s goal is for the term ‘NBL player’ to be recognized worldwide for excellence.
“When people hear ‘NBL,’ we want it to be synonymous with elite player development and one of the strongest basketball ecosystems globally,” he said.
Basketball is becoming more globalized and the NBA is looking to expand internationally. Nikola Milivojevic’s leadership in the NBL shows how a domestic league can achieve global relevance by leveraging innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to preparing players for the world’s largest stage.