Blitz is back: NBA scouts swoop, Gold Coast to host pre-season spectacle in bid for NBL return

The National Basketball League has announced its pre-season tournament will return to the Gold Coast in September on the back of calls for a professional team in the region. Full story inside:

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 20: Gary Clark of the Hawks drives to the basket under pressure from DJ Mitchell of the Bullets during the 2023 NBL Blitz match between Brisbane Bullets and Illawarra Hawks at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on September 20, 2023 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/Getty Images for NBL)

The National Basketball League has announced its pre-season tournament will return to the Gold Coast in September on the back of calls for a professional team in the region.

Last year attracting the eyes of over 40 NBA scouts from 27 teams, fans will get a first look into their team’s revamped rosters across the week-long campaign from September 7-14.

NBL COO, Vince Crivelli, said the Blitz would provide further proof of demand for a Gold Coast team to join the NBL nearly two decades on from disbanding.

“The Blitz provides the growing and passionate participation base here on the Coast another chance to vote with their feet and show their appetite for more permanent NBL content on the Gold Coast,” he said.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Nathan Sobey of the Bullets dribbles the ball during the 2023 NBL Blitz match between Sydney Kings and Brisbane Bullets at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on September 22, 2023 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/Getty Images for NBL)

“We are excited to continue our journey with all our partners and stakeholders on the development of basketball in the Gold Coast region.

“We are committed to maximising the potential of the NBL in the city and will keep evolving our conversations with the relevant stakeholders.”

Crivelli added how significant the event is on the global basketball calendar.

“It can’t be underestimated how important the Blitz is for the global basketball market particularly the NBA teams in their planning and preparation for the 2025 draft cycle,” he said.

“The Next Stars program is as strong as ever, and the Blitz gives NBA teams a chance to assess the incredible talent in the program.”

Games will be played in both the Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium and Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre.

“We look forward to welcoming the exciting and competitive NBL Blitz back to the Gold Coast,” Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said.

“After last year’s hugely successful event, it will be even bigger and better in 2024.”

The league’s newest talent will be on display, including Brisbane-born Next Star Roman Siulepa who joins the Tasmanian JackJumpers for NBL25.

New NBL Next Star Roman Siulepa works out with the Tasmania JackJumpers. Pictures: JackJumpers Media

“It’s fantastic to see the NBL Blitz on the Gold Coast again this year, with local fans being treated to world class basketball,” Queensland Sport Minister Michael Healy said.

“The event looks set to become a permanent fixture on the calendar with the potential of providing a significant annual boost to the local economy.

“Additionally, seeing basketball stars up close and watching the games live, can inspire the community to get out, give it a go and be more active themselves.

“The NBL does a terrific job with this tournament and hopefully it will provide the impetus for the Gold Coast to again have its own team in the NBL.”

Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said the decision to bring the Blitz back will help showcase the region’s world class sporting facilities to a global audience.

“Basketball fans turned out in their tens of thousands last year making the Gold Coast’s NBL Blitz the biggest and most successful in its history, it is only fitting to see it return to our city in 2024.”

Originally published as Blitz is back: NBA scouts swoop, Gold Coast to host pre-season spectacle in bid for NBL return