Former Melbourne Victory boss Trent Jacobs has been appointed chief executive of the Tasmania JackJumpers and Jewels.
The 49-year-old will take the reins of the NBL and WNBL clubs on April 7, replacing outgoing CEO Christine Finnegan.
Jacobs said the club’s fierce local identity was a major drawcard.
“I love the clarity of the club’s identity,” he said.
“The DNA of ‘Defend the Island’ is so evident. It is something that permeates beyond the basketball court and I want to be a part of it.”
Jacobs said he attended a JackJumpers game during the interview process and was immediately won over.
“The atmosphere was captivating – I was hooked,” he said.
“The JackJumpers and the Jewels have united the Tasmanian community, beyond what happens on a court on any given day or night.”
The new chief executive also flagged international growth as a key opportunity.
“As a global sport, there are huge opportunities for Tasmanian basketball,” he said.
Jacobs spent nine years in executive roles at Melbourne Victory before serving as the A-League club’s CEO from 2018 to 2021.
He previously worked in marketing at Richmond Football Club and recently co-founded a digital growth startup.
JackJumpers chair Steve Old said Jacobs emerged as the standout candidate following a nationwide search.
“His exceptional experience in sports leadership coupled with his commercial acumen sets him in great stead to lead our teams on and off the court,” he said.
Finnegan stepped down after five years to take up a senior executive role with Netball Australia and Super Netball.
During her tenure, Finnegan oversaw the JackJumpers’ maiden NBL championship in 2024 and secured the WNBL licence for the Tasmania Jewels.
Jacobs will relocate to Tasmania with his family ahead of his start date.
