NBL players have supported Isaac Humphries' decision to come out as gay to his team mates, saying it will help young players struggling with their sexuality.

The Melbourne United player gave an emotional speech to his team mates, telling them that coming to terms with his sexuality had led him through some "extremely dark times" but he was finally in a place where he felt comfortable coming out as gay.

Humphries played college basketball at Kentucky from 2015-2017 and posted a video on social media of him telling his teammates on Wednesday.

Isaac Humphries of Melbourne United reacts during the round six NBL match between Cairns Taipans and Melbourne United at Cairns Convention Centre, on November 04, 2022, in Cairns, Australia.

The 24-year-old centre is the first player in NBL history to come out as gay, and the only active openly gay player in any of the world's top basketball leagues.

He said seeing someone at the top level of the sport be brave enough to come out would change a lot of people's lives.

“Today is an incredible step in Isaac’s journey, and we as a club are wholeheartedly supportive of him,” Truelson said. “Not only as a member of our club, but as a person. This is a momentous occasion for him personally, but also for male sport on a global scale.”

The NBL released a statement which said it fully supported Humphries and stood with him after his announcement.