The Victorian Basketball League (VBL), formerly the Big V, is a semi-professional basketball league in Victoria, Australia, comprising both a men's and women's competition.
The VBL's premier divisions are Championship Men and Championship Women. The league also has Division One and Division Two as well as a number of youth divisions.
History Precursor league (1987–1999) In 1987, a precursor league to the Big V was established. A women's competition was introduced first followed by a men's competition in 1989. It was known by many names, including Victorian Women's Conference, Country Victorian Invitation Basketball League (CVIBL), and finally the Victorian Basketball League (VBL) in the late 1990s. Following the establishment of the Big V in 2000, VBL Division One and Division Two transitioned underneath Big V Championship Men and Championship Women.
Big V (2000–2026) The Big V was established in 2000 as a new Australian Basketball Association (ABA) conference. The Big V remained a member of the ABA until the conclusion of the 2008 season, when the ABA ceased operations, making the Big V an independent competition for the first time.
The 2020 Big V season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 season was abandoned mid-season due to the same reason.
Victorian Basketball League (2027–) In September 2026, the Big V was rebranded as the Victorian Basketball League for the 2027 season.
Current teams Men Bellarine Storm Camberwell Dragons Gippsland United Hume City Broncos McKinnon Cougars Melbourne University Pakenham Warriors RMIT Redbacks Sunbury Jets Warrandyte Venom Wyndham Devils
Women Bellarine Storm Bulleen Boomers Hume City Broncos McKinnon Cougars Pakenham Warriors Sherbrooke Suns Sunbury Jets Warrandyte Venom Warrnambool Mermaids Western Port Steelers
List of Champions
Men Women Teams Year(s) won Teams Year(s) wonRingwood Hawks52012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018Hume City Broncos62007, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2016McKinnon Cougars42019, 2023, 2025, 2026Ballarat Miners32000, 2001, 2002Shepparton Gators32000, 2001, 2003Eltham Wildcats32005, 2011, 2012Sandringham Sabres22002, 2005Werribee/Wyndham Devils32019, 2022, 2024Dandenong Rangers22006, 2007Melbourne Tigers22003, 2004Melbourne Tigers22008, 2009Sunbury Jets22017, 2018Waverley Falcons22010, 2011Bulleen Boomers22023, 2025Corio Bay Stingrays22013, 2015Sandringham Sabres12006Wyndham Devils22022, 2024Geelong Lady Cats12010Hume City Broncos12004Ringwood Hawks12015 McKinnon Cougars12026
CVIBL/VBL champions (1987–1999) Year Division One Men Division One Women Ref 1987 Eltham 1988 Coburg 1989 Swan Hill Broadmeadows 1990 Mildura Eltham 1991 Horsham Bendigo 1992 Werribee Bendigo 1993 Werribee Heyfield 1994 Shepparton Waverley 1995 Werribee Ballarat 1996 Werribee Ballarat 1997 Warrnambool Ballarat 1998 Warrnambool Ballarat 1999 Ringwood Ballarat
References
External links Big V official website Big V history links Big V history links