Isaac Humphries retires from NBL after persistent knee injury
The 28-year-old Adelaide 36ers centre retires due to an ongoing knee injury that sidelined him this season.
Isaac Humphries, the NBL's first openly gay male player, has announced his retirement from competitive basketball. The 28-year-old centre made the announcement on Instagram, saying he was "so sad to say goodbye like this" after struggling with a persistent knee problem.
Humphries came out in 2022 while playing for Melbourne United, making history in Australian basketball. Humphries has played 173 NBL games, including 124 for Adelaide across five seasons.
He was the 36ers' MVP in 2024. The club says he will shift to a non-playing role working in community, marketing, and commercial teams.
In a statement, Humphries thanked his teammates and the fans who supported him.
- 28 years old
- Age at retirement
- 173 NBL games
- Career games
- 124 over five seasons
- Games for Adelaide
- Adelaide 36ers MVP in NBL24 season
- Club honour
Why it mattersAn injury-driven retirement marks the end of a pioneering career that opened doors for LGBTQI+ athletes in Australian professional sport.
AustraliaAustralian basketball loses a prominent community advocate who used his platform to champion mental health and LGBTQI+ rights across the NBL.
Corroborated byadelaide36ers.com·espn.com.au
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