Wollongong, a vibrant city on the New South Wales coastline, is known for its passion for sports, boasting professional teams in rugby, basketball, and football, as well as a wealth of community-driven competitions. The St. George Illawarra Dragons, a powerhouse in the National Rugby League (NRL), play half of their home games at WIN Stadium, with a rich history in the sport dating back to 1911. The team, formed through a merger in 1999, clinched the NRL Grand Final in 2010.

In basketball, the Illawarra Hawks have been a fixture in the National Basketball League (NBL) since its inception in 1979, winning the NBL Championship in 2001. They are the only team to have played every season in the league and hold their home games at the WIN Entertainment Centre, affectionately known as "The Sandpit."

The city's football scene is represented by the Wollongong Wolves, who compete in the National Premier Leagues NSW, and the Illawarra Stingrays in the Women’s National Premier Leagues. Football in Wollongong has seen a resurgence after the community-supported revival of the Wolves in 2008.

Beyond these professional teams, Wollongong hosts various local competitions in cricket, rugby union, and water polo. Cycling enthusiasts are well-served by the Illawarra Cycling Club, while baseball has a long-standing history in the region, with the Illawarra Flame Baseball Club achieving success in state leagues.

Wollongong's thriving sports culture also extends to recreational activities, with popular options like surfing, rock climbing, and triathlons. The city hosted the 2022 UCI Road World Championships and continues to be a hub for both competitive and community sports, fostering local talent and providing entertainment for fans of all ages.