NBL Christine Finnegan steps down after JackJumpers championship triumph, her next move will shock women’s sports

Christine Finnegan, the CEO of Tasmania JackJumpers, announced her departure from the NBL club on December 16, 2025. The longtime sports executive will step down at the end of the 2025/26 season to pursue a senior role in women’s sport. Finnegan leaves behind an impressive legacy after leading the basketball club to extraordinary success.

Building a Championship Legacy at the JackJumpers

Christine Finnegan joined the Tasmania JackJumpers in 2020 as the club’s first chief commercial and customer officer. She stepped into the role of CEO in September 2023, replacing inaugural boss Simon Brookhouse. Just six months into her tenure, Finnegan achieved something remarkable for the basketball franchise.

The JackJumpers captured their first NBL title during the 2023-24 season, the club’s third year in the league. The team defeated Melbourne United 83-81 in the best-of-five series decider, claiming the championship in a thrilling five-game series. This triumph represented an extraordinary achievement for a franchise that started from scratch without players, coaches, or infrastructure just years earlier.

Finnegan’s leadership proved instrumental in transforming the JackJumpers from an expansion startup into a championship-winning organization. Under her direction, the club built a supportive community presence and established a competitive squad that ultimately dominated the NBL.

From Basketball to Netball: A New Challenge Awaits

After nearly two decades working in men’s sport—including roles with AFL and NRL clubs—Finnegan is transitioning to women’s sport. Netball Australia appointed her as Executive General Manager of the Super Netball League and Commercial Growth on December 12, 2025. This marks her first senior position in women’s professional sports.

Finnegan expressed enthusiasm about bringing her extensive experience to the netball sector. She stated that male sports have historically received superior funding and resources, and she now wants to transfer that knowledge to women’s sports. Her appointment comes as significant validation of her management capabilities and vision for sports development.

One of her first responsibilities will involve evaluating Tasmania’s bid to join Super Netball—a decision carrying obvious implications for her home state.

Personal Motivations: Family and Health Priorities

Factor	Details
Primary Reason for Departure	Proximity to family and son in Melbourne
Role Duration	From 2020 to end of 2025/26 NBL season
New Position	Executive General Manager, Super Netball League
Years in Men’s Sport	Nearly 20 years (AFL, NRL)

In candid remarks, Finnegan revealed that the past year presented significant personal challenges. She disclosed facing health issues that prompted serious reflection about life priorities. She emphasized that family emerged as the central focus of her decision-making process.

Her son’s recent graduation ceremony highlighted the emotional weight of her separation from Melbourne. According to Finnegan, witnessing his appreciation for her attendance at the ceremony reinforced her commitment to return and spend quality time with him. “It’s just my time now to go and do some things with him,” she explained during her announcement.

Addressing Leadership Challenges in Sports Management

Finnegan spoke openly about the demanding nature of leading a sports organization, particularly when separated from family support systems. She acknowledged NBL owner Larry Kestleman’s observation that “leadership can be lonely.” This isolation intensified for Finnegan, who lived in Tasmania while her family remained in Melbourne.

“When you amplify that by going home each night, to going home to no family and none of your loved ones at home to help you through those journeys, it’s been tough at times.”

— Christine Finnegan, Former JackJumpers CEO

Despite acknowledging these difficulties, Finnegan expressed hope that the resilience gained through her leadership experience might inspire others, particularly young women. She highlighted pathways available to women in sports leadership and encouraged others to pursue similar opportunities.

Will Christine Finnegan’s Departure Impact Tasmania’s Super Netball Bid?

As Finnegan transitions to her new role with Super Netball, one intriguing question emerges: how will her appointment affect Tasmania’s efforts to secure a Super Netball expansion franchise? The state already operates the Tasmania Jewels in the WNBL (women’s basketball), launching in the 2025-26 season.

Finnegan has clarified she wasn’t involved in Tasmania’s netball bidding process, maintaining objectivity regarding the franchise selection decision. However, she acknowledged possessing unparalleled insight into Tasmania’s sports market and community support structures. She emphasized that Tasmania’s government has demonstrated strong commitment to sports development, evident through backing the JackJumpers and establishing other professional teams.

Her firsthand experience building the JackJumpers into a championship organization positions her uniquely to understand Tasmania’s capacity for supporting professional sports franchises. “If you build it, they will come,” she suggested, highlighting the infrastructure and political support already established in the state.

Sources

• ABC News – After leading JackJumpers to NBL glory, club boss Finnegan announcement
• NBL Official – JackJumpers CEO departure and organizational statement
• Netball Australia – Christine Finnegan appointment as Executive General Manager