Wildcats, Scorchers team up to celebrate Pride

Both the Wildcats and Scorchers will host their Pride clashes this month against Adelaide Strikers and South-East Melbourne Phoenix respectively.

The Wildcats and Phoenix go head-to-head at RAC Arena on Friday 31 January, 13 days after the Scorchers’ Pride Game at Optus Stadium this Saturday night.

Wildcats skipper Jesse Wagstaff teamed up with Scorchers all-time leading wicket-taker Andrew Tye as the pair stood united as allies of LGBTQIA+ community. 

Wagstaff said it was “phenomenal” to link up with another Perth sporting powerhouse to promote such an important message.

“I think the Pride movement in sport is gaining momentum and awareness. Displaying that our game is inclusive, and people can be themselves is so important, and something we take great pride in,” Wagstaff said.

“Joining forces with the Scorchers is phenomenal, we’ve got the same message that sport is inclusive for all.

“Sport is such an integral part of people’s lives and if we can make our games more diverse and have people feel more comfortable in expressing themselves, then that’s what it’s all about.”

This month marks the NBL’s third annual Pride Round, celebrating inclusion and diversity.

The Wildcats will turn The Jungle rainbow with themed seating, Champion's rainbow pride flag on-court and player jerseys, along with several other activations on game night.

Wildcats players, coach and staff participated in a Pride in Sport information session in the lead-up to Pride Round, helping participants understand what makes a good ally and build other important skills.

Did anyone else have to do a double-take on this pic? 😅

The Perth Wildcats and Perth Scorchers have come together to spread Pride message. https://t.co/eMpnkOwYIz

— The West Sport (@TheWestSport) January 15, 2025

Through the fixtures in the WBBL, BBL and NBL the Scorchers and Wildcats continue their mission to ensure everyone is welcome in sport.

The Scorchers’ Pride Match will include players donning Pride accessories and symbols, rainbow assets across The Furnace and the pitch, rainbow smoke during the iconic Scorchers runouts, and an innings-break set from prominent DJ Leask from Connections Nightclub.

Tye, the Scorchers’ Pride player ambassador, said it was great to have another male team in the Wildcats stand alongside them in solidarity.

“Sport should be enjoyed by all, no matter who you are, and we just want to get as many people involved in sport as we can,” Tye said.

“I take a lot of pride in being an ally for the queer community and it’s great to have another male team in the Wildcats standing alongside us.

“I have a daughter, and I want her to grow up in a world where she feels safe and comfortable to be whoever she wants to be.”

MATCH DETAILS 

NBL – (Pride Round)
Perth Wildcats v South East Melbourne Phoenix
Friday 31 January, 6:30PM AWST
Perth Arena, Perth
LIVE: ESPN, Kayo Sports, ABC radio, SENWA

KFC BBL|14 – Game 10 (Pride Match)
Perth Scorchers v Adelaide Strikers
Saturday 18 January, first ball 5:15PM AWST
Optus Stadium, Perth
LIVE: Foxtel, Kayo Sports, SEN, ABC Sport