New CEO Appointed to Lead the Tasmania JackJumpers and Jewels

The Tasmania JackJumpers and Jewels today welcome newly appointed CEO Trent Jacobs to the club.

Trent is an accomplished leader with more than two decades’ experience in the AFL, the A-League and as co-founder and managing director of a successful digital growth start-up.

Executive Chair Steve Old said the appointment of Trent follows an exhaustive nation-wide executive search.

“We’re thrilled to announce the appointment of Trent Jacobs as the new CEO of the JackJumpers and Jewels,” Mr Old said.

“Trent was a stand-out candidate from a very competitive national recruitment process. As Chair and proud Tasmanian, I was extremely focussed on finding someone who could fit into Tasmania and our organisation, and Trent ticks all the boxes.

“His exceptional experience in sports leadership coupled with his commercial acumen sets him in great stead to lead our teams on and off the court.

“In the coming year alone, we’ll be opening our High Performance Training Centre, launching the Jewels in the WNBL and kicking off the JackJumpers sixth NBL season.

“These are critical milestone moments for our teams, and Trent is the right leader for the next chapter of our club’s development and beyond.

“Trent has an innate understanding that we are more than a basketball club, we are part of Tasmania’s identity, and we Defend the Island with pride and humility. We’re thrilled to welcome him to our team.”

Trent said he was drawn to the JackJumpers and Jewels leadership opportunity because of what the club stands for.

“I love the clarity of the club’s identity, ” he said. “The DNA of Defend the Island is so evident. It is something that permeates beyond the basketball court and I want to be a part of it.

“During the interview process, I snuck down to watch the JackJumpers play the Teal Round against the Brisbane Bullets at MyState Bank Arena. The atmosphere was captivating - I was hooked. “What Chistine Finnegan, Scott Roth, Steve Old, the club, the players and the fans have created is truly something special.

“The JackJumpers and the Jewels have united the Tasmanian community, beyond what happens on a court on any given day or night.

“I’m so excited to build on that legacy, to explore new ways to advance the growth and connection of our teams here in Tasmania. As a global sport, there are huge opportunities for Tasmanian basketball.

“I can’t wait to move to Tasmania and be a part of the JackJumpers and the Jewels.”

Trent has an esteemed career history, currently at Sports Cloud Australia and previously as CEO of Melbourne Victory Football Club, along with executive roles at the Richmond Football Club.

Trent is moving to Tasmania with his family and will formally start as CEO on April 7, 2026.