| Big V | |
| Sport: | Basketball |
| Founded: | 2000 |
| Inaugural: | 2000 |
| General Manager: | Matt Royal |
| Teams: | Men: 12 Women: 10 |
| Country: | Australia |
| Continent: | FIBA Oceania (Oceania) |
| Champion: | Men: McKinnon Cougars (2nd title) Women: Bulleen Boomers (1st title) |
| Most Champs: | Men: Ringwood Hawks (5 titles) Women: Hume City Broncos (6 titles) |
| Website: | BasketballVictoria.com.au |
The Big V is a semi-professional basketball league in Victoria, Australia, comprising both a men's and women's competition.
The Big V Conference was established in 2000 and joined the Australian Basketball Association (ABA).[1] The ABA ceased operations following the 2008 season, resulting in the Big V becoming independent.[2]
The 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[3] [4] [5] The 2021 season was abandoned mid-season due to the pandemic.[6] [7]
As of 2024, the league's premier divisions are Championship Men and Championship Women. The Big V also has Division One and Division Two as well as a number of youth divisions.[8]
See main article: List of Big V champions.
| Men | Women | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teams | Year(s) won | Teams | Year(s) won | |||
| Ringwood Hawks | 5 | 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 | Hume City Broncos | 6 | 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2016 | |
| Shepparton Gators | 3 | 2000, 2001, 2003 | Ballarat Miners | 3 | 2000, 2001, 2002 | |
| Sandringham Sabres | 2 | 2002, 2005 | Eltham Wildcats | 3 | 2005, 2011, 2012 | |
| Dandenong Rangers | 2 | 2006, 2007 | Melbourne Tigers | 2 | 2003, 2004 | |
| Melbourne Tigers | 2 | 2008, 2009 | Sunbury Jets | 2 | 2017, 2018 | |
| Waverley Falcons | 2 | 2010, 2011 | Werribee/Wyndham Devils | 2 | 2019, 2022 | |
| Corio Bay Stingrays | 2 | 2013, 2015 | Sandringham Sabres | 1 | 2006 | |
| McKinnon Cougars | 2 | 2019, 2023 | Geelong Lady Cats | 1 | 2010 | |
| Hume City Broncos | 1 | 2004 | Ringwood Hawks | 1 | 2015 | |
| Wyndham Devils | 1 | 2022 | Bulleen Boomers | 1 | 2023 | |
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 Victorian Basketball League (VBL).[9] [10] From 2000 onwards, the VBL's divisions transitioned into becoming Big V's Division One and Division Two under Championship Men and Championship Women.
| Year | Division One Men | Division One Women | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Eltham | [11] [12] | |
| 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 | Ballarat | ||