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21 May 2026  5 min read

Victoria Ward appointed as Basketball England CEO

The former CEO of Welsh Gymnastics (2023-25) and the Welsh Sports Association (2014-22) succeeds interim CEO Nigel Walker, whom she will also replace on the newly formed Great Britain Interim Delivery Group. 

Ward comes with more than a decade of chief executive experience leading sporting bodies, charities and organisations, and specialises in building financially resilient organisations through partnerships, income diversification and strategic collaboration across government, business and civil society. 

Her experience in the financial and funding sector includes leading the host nation commercial programme for the 2010 Ryder Cup and working on Coca-Cola’s community programme for Wales and the West. 

Ward, who will become BE’s first female CEO, said: “I am delighted to be joining Basketball England at such a defining moment for the sport. Basketball is one of the most dynamic and fast-growing sports in the country, with an incredible ability to inspire communities, excite new and existing fans and develop world-class talent. 

“I have spent my career working across sport, both in and alongside national governing bodies, helping organisations strengthen their foundations, grow sustainably and deliver real impact for their members.  

“I am looking forward to bringing that experience to basketball and working with the wider game to accelerate growth, build commercial resilience, and strengthen talent pathways. 

“Collectively, we can capture imaginations, maximise participation and build a modern, ambitious future for the game that reflects the passion and talent in this country and ensures basketball thrives at every level, from grassroots through to the elite game. 

“With the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer and the continued rise of 3x3 basketball creating new energy and visibility for our sport, there is a huge opportunity to further build on the tremendous momentum for the men’s and women’s game in the UK. 

“Finally, what excites me most is the opportunity to listen to and work alongside the basketball community - clubs, leagues, volunteers, players and partners - to shape a shared vision for the future. Together, we can unlock the full potential of basketball from local playgrounds through to the international stage and establish the UK as a leading force in basketball both on and off the court for years to come.” 

Basketball England chair Paul Blanchard said: 

“We are pleased to welcome Victoria as our new CEO as we look to build on the tremendous popularity and momentum for basketball in this country. 

“We believe her experience in sports bodies and funding organisations and her open, collaborative approach, will serve her well as we, alongside our partners, build towards a new approach to the governance of the game across Great Britain. 

“Victoria will play an integral role in that process and equally importantly will drive Basketball England forward as we serve the needs and demands of our members, clubs and organisations and deliver on the objectives set out for our sport in our new strategy for the game in England.  

“I also want to take this opportunity to thank Nigel for his leadership and unwavering commitment during his tenure.”  

Patricia Fairclough OBE, Interim Chair of the Basketball England Regions Council, said: 

"Victoria has the leadership qualities to make a difference in growing our sport.  

"Her knowledge and experience in managing membership organisations and delivering commercially will serve Basketball England well and create the conditions to strengthen our infrastructure, improve performance and enhance working relationships thorough collaboration. 

"On behalf of the Regional Management Committees Council, I congratulate Victoria on breaking through the glass ceiling to become BE's first female CEO. 

"It represents an important milestone and, as lifelong advocate for women and girls in all roles in our sport, I believe it is one that should be celebrated." 

Ward was successful in a recruitment process led by independent agency GatenbySanderson, which featured expert input from an experienced group of basketball stakeholders. 

She arrives at Basketball England following the recent publication of the 2025-29 strategy for the sport in England and with the organisation having implemented a large-scale enhancement service to members via a new digital membership and competition management system. 

Following that overhaul, the organisation finished the 2025/26 season with more than 43,000 registered members, an 8% increase on the previous year, while a record 1,000-plus teams played in the National Basketball League, up 5% from the 2024/25 season. 

As part of its support for affiliated clubs and organisations, BE has helped distribute more than £1million from Sport England’s Movement Fund to boost grassroots basketball and will again be responsible for driving Team England’s Commonwealth Games medal mission at Glasgow 2026 after gold and silver success at Birmingham 2022.