The Seven Network in talks to broadcast the NBL’s new mid-season tournament

NBL officials are hoping to broaden their free-to-air television footprint by joining forces with Seven for some mid-week basketball coverage.

Illawarra Hawks players celebrates their win after game five of the 2024/25 NBL Grand Final series. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Channel Seven has emerged as a potential home for Wednesday night NBL hoops, with the network in discussions to broadcast the league’s new mid-season tournament.

CODE Sports understands Seven has interest in teaming up with Australia’s booming domestic basketball competition and see the mid-season tournament as an ideal way to dip their toes back into the sport.

While the NBL and Seven are currently in preliminary talks, there is optimism the two parties can strike a deal in what would be a major coup.

The NBL is yet to finalise its broadcast deal for NBL26, but it’s understood current holders ESPN and Channel 10 look set to return.

Bryce Cotton is one of the drawcards for free-to-air coverage. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images.

League officials are also hoping to secure a powerhouse network like Seven, which has proven to be a successful home for sport via the AFL, racing and cricket.

The NBL’s new mid-season tournament would be a perfect platform for Seven to showcase basketball to a wider audience.

The Australian competition wants to follow in the NBA’s footsteps and introduce a mid-season tournament with big prize money on the line.

Seven is now the home of cricket and the NBL is hoping to join the many sports part of their stable. Picture: Jason McCawley – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images

The mid-season event is looking to start in Round 4, with games played every Wednesday night.

There are also plans for the tournament to feature a points system, with teams to receive one point per quarter win and three points per game win.

Illawarra Hawks celebrate their win after game five of the 2024/25 NBL Grand Final series, which clinched the title. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

The two highest ranked teams based on the Wednesday night points will play in a one-off grand final game in February to be played for prize money.

The NBL is yet to finalise the prize money for the winner of the mid-season tournament, but there is hope the figure will be decent.

The winner of the NBA’s mid-season tournament – which made its debut in the 2023-24 season – takes home almost $AU800,000.

The NBL last had a mid-season tournament during the 2020-21 season. Dubbed the NBL Cup and hosted in Melbourne, the tournament was won by the Perth Wildcats.

The full NBL schedule for 2025/26 season is set to be released in mid-June.

Originally published as The Seven Network in talks to broadcast the NBL’s new mid-season tournament