Lauren Jackson, the celebrated Australian basketball legend, has stepped back onto the global stage with renewed vigor, as she recently launched an inspiring campaign featuring her life and legacy, produced alongside the renowned Swiss watchmaker Tissot. This collaboration, developed by Man of Many, showcases the extraordinary career of Jackson, acknowledged by many as one of basketball's all-time greats, as well as her unwavering passion for the sport.
At the heart of this campaign is a visually stunning 9-minute long-form video profile, which captures Jackson's defining moments both on and off the court. It paves the way for Man of Many’s expanded investment in video content throughout 2025, reflecting its commitment to captivating storytelling through authentic narratives. “Working with Lauren Jackson to tell her incredible story has been a privilege,” stated Harry Parsons, Head of Branded Content at Man of Many. “Her dedication, resilience, and passion embody the compelling storytelling we’re prioritizing as we grow our video offerings this year.”
Indeed, this release marks not just another milestone for Jackson, but also for Man of Many as they ramp up their YouTube presence and connect deeply with audiences through enriching content. Nick Hall, Editor-in-Chief at Man of Many, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “The collaboration with Tissot demonstrates our focus on blending premium lifestyle content with authentic narratives. Lauren Jackson’s profile uniquely highlights how sports and personal style intersect, perfectly aligning with our audience’s growing appetite for sophisticated, sport-inspired storytelling.”
Now, turning her gaze back to the court, Jackson made headlines recently as she returned to Olympic competition after 12 long years, stepping onto the floor at Stade Pierre-Mauroy during the Paris 2024 Olympics. Five minutes and thirty-two seconds were all it took for this decorated athlete to mark her spectacular return—not through grand accolades or winning finishes, but simply by being there. It was a moment of redemption and reflection, underscoring the roots of her story as both beloved by fans and vilified by critics.
Jackson, who has garnered recognition for her accomplishments, shared her perspective about this experience: “No matter where I’m playing... it’s about the people and the relationships... where you share the same values,” reflecting on her lengthy career. Acknowledging her formative years, she spoke of becoming the leader of her team as one of the coveted opportunities she imagined—a role she now embraces wholeheartedly.
When we catch up with Jackson, she is celebrating another occasion—the launch of the Tissot boutique, located centrally on Melbourne’s Collins Street. The boutique’s opening on January 29, 2025, adds to the rich tradition of watchmaking for Tissot and offers another place for fans to celebrate the watchmaker’s legacy, all the more significant for Jackson’s national story. For her, Melbourne feels like home, even as she traveled extensively throughout her career.
Her reminiscence of the 2006 Commonwealth Games encapsulates her love for the city: “That Gold Medal at the Commonwealth Games was really special... I’ve definitely been so lucky to play all over the world... there’s no place like home.” Today, she’s acutely aware of her impact on young athletes and women pursuing sports, reflecting on her endeavors off the court as equally—if not more—important than her championships and accolades.
From being the number one pick of the WNBA draft by the Seattle Storm to leading the Australian Opals to memorable victories, Jackson’s career has been nothing short of historic. One year after her high school graduation, she led her national team to Olympic Silver at only 19 years old, playing valiantly at home during the 2000 Sydney Games. These early triumphs set the stage for what would become over 15 years of dominance within the WNBA, where she secured two championship titles and three MVP awards, charting her path through the echelons of professional sport.
But as with many great athletes, the road hasn’t been free of challenges. Jackson faced the ultimate setback when she had to undergo half knee replacement surgery, leading to what seemed like her permanent departure from the sport she loved so dearly. Yet, surprised by her body's resilience and driven by her passion, she found herself lured back to play with her local NBL1 team. She recalls: “After a few years,... I thought, now it’s time to sort of get back in the gym.” The spark ignited once more, as her influence became more about mindset and less about mere statistics. The veteran shared wisdom accumulated throughout her storied career, highlighting the importance of resilience and mentorship.
At 43, Jackson has taken on the role of Special Advisor for the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), spearheading initiatives to uplift young female athletes and promote inclusivity within basketball. She stands firmly by her mission to create pathways for women and increase visibility for female athletes: “The work I’m doing off the court... creating visibility and opportunities—that’s the legacy I want to be remembered for.”
Now established as one of Australia’s most important cultural icons, Lauren Jackson embodies the relentless spirit of ambition and progress. Every win and loss contributes to the rich fabric of her legacy, inspiring future generations with the simple message: every moment matters, triumph or defeat. Suddenly, her history does not fade; it intensifies, intertwining with the progress she continues to champion for others. With her new campaign with Tissot taking flight, both her past and present converge to celebrate sport, storytelling, and community, crafting new memories together.
