ALBURY’S international basketball star Lauren Jackson has described the ABC’s move to axe coverage of the Women’s National Basketball League and soccer’s W-League as a “very dark day for women’s sport”, adamant it could spark a sponsorship and player exodus.
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The ABC has told staff coverage of women’s soccer and basketball will end at the end of the season, and the coverage of the Shute Shield rugby union competition and other state football leagues will be cut, too.
“When I heard about the cut it was obvious something would have to go, of course women’s sport is the sacrificial lamb,” Jackson said.
“It’s a huge shame and I hope it doesn’t end up being the case because ABC has been such a huge supporter of women’s sport.
“I would say it’s a very dark day for women’s sport. It’s a huge mistake I believe.
“The Liberal government doesn’t really put sport ahead of anything else, especially women’s sport, and that’s why I thought it would be one of the things to go.”
Sources within the ABC have also confirmed iconic commentators Drew Morphett, Dan Lonergan and Peter Newlinds will lose their jobs.
ABC Grandstand will undergo a national review.
Jackson said less exposure had the potential to cause sponsors to walk away, making it more difficult to stop the best players leaving for Europe.
“Absolutely (it could happen), if you cut us from national TV you’re cutting sponsorships for teams, players and their profiles,” Jackson said.
“It’s a nightmare. It’s the one thing that can put us out there, the ABC has us on national television every Saturday.”
