(Photo Credits: Screengrab from National Basketball League’s Official YouTube Account)

Former Australian National Basketball League (NBL) star Andrew “AJ” Ogilvy has publicly come out as gay, marking a significant moment in LGBTQ+ visibility in professional sports. The retired center revealed his sexuality in a conversation with Isaac Humphries—the openly gay Adelaide 36ers star— ahead of the NBL’s fourth annual Pride Round. Ogilvy shared personal details of his journey and why he chose to speak openly now.

Ogilvy, now 37, played 218 career games in the NBL with clubs such as the Illawarra Hawks and Sydney Kings, earning three All-NBL First Team selections and playing internationally in Europe before retiring in 2022.

In an interview with NBL player Isaac Humphries, himself one of the few openly gay professional men’s basketball players, Ogilvy reflected on his decision to come out. “There’s now a place for us to have this conversation, to be able to talk as openly as this,” Ogilvy said, explaining he felt ready to share his truth only after retirement and after witnessing growing acceptance in the sport.

Ogilvy also emphasized how important it is for people to feel supported when exploring their sexuality. “If people want to talk to someone, people want to be able to ask opinions, ask questions, it gives them someone else to reach to,” he added, underlining the value of representation.

The former NBL star also opened up about the challenges of balancing his private life with his professional career. Ogilvy married his long-term partner in 2024, whom he met while playing for the Sydney Kings more than a decade earlier.

“I’ve been married for nearly 18 months now. I met my husband when I was playing in Sydney, so I was with him for all my time in Wollongong and part of the time in Sydney,” Ogilvy said.

“While I was in Sydney, I kept [my two lives] pretty separate, but I also wasn’t super discreet about it.

“Some of the guys probably knew, but nothing was ever explicitly said.

“I was very lucky with my career, I got to travel the world and get paid to play basketball, which is such a privilege.”

He admitted that although some teammates may have been aware of his relationship at the time, he didn’t feel comfortable publicly disclosing his sexuality during his playing days. “I probably didn’t live my life as authentically as I probably could have during my time, especially in the NBL,” he said.

Part of the reason for his hesitation, Ogilvy explained, stemmed from a belief early in his career that to be a successful basketball player he had to “present as straight,” an idea he now recognizes as rooted in outdated expectations about masculinity and sexuality in sport.

Isaac Humphries applauded Ogilvy’s courage, calling it a meaningful moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in basketball. “It’s not about forcing or anything, it’s just a bit of visibility for a community… Everybody is welcome. Basketball is such a universal space and universal game; why wouldn’t we also celebrate this community?” Humphries said, framing the announcement as a step forward for inclusion.

The announcement also sheds light on the evolution of the NBL Pride Round itself. Now in its fourth year, Pride Round features club-led initiatives designed to promote inclusion, education, and community engagement throughout the league’s venues, reflecting a broader push within sports to recognize and uplift LGBTQ+ athletes, fans, and families, PinkNews reports.

Reaction from fans online has been overwhelmingly supportive, with many highlighting how Ogilvy’s openness could inspire other athletes who have not yet felt comfortable sharing their identities publicly. Commenters noted that visibility from accomplished professionals—especially in male-dominated sports—can help younger gay athletes and closeted professionals feel less alone.

Watch Ogilvy’s conversation with Humphries below:

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