But the history of the National Wheelchair Basketball League and the Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball League spans decades. 
 
The NWBL began in 1988; among the teams were inaugural champions the Adelaide 86ers who play under the Thunder name today. The Perth Wheelcats were another foundation club and hold the record for most NWBL Championships with 8. 
 
The Wollongong Roller Hawks entered the league in 2001, the Red Dust Heelers in 2013 and the Darwin Salties in 2022. Sydney and Brisbane sides have also featured in the national league over the years, with the Manly Wheel Eagles and Southern Districts Spartans fielding teams from 2024. 
 
In 2000 the WNWBL was founded with three teams including the Sydney Uni Flames who started out as the Hills Hornets and boast 10 WNWBL Championships. The Perth Wheelcats entered in 2006, the Queensland Comets entered the league in 2011 and while there has always been a two team presence in Sydney, the Blues began in 2016. 

See below to learn more on the history of WBA and a list of all past champions.