NBL boss Larry Kestelman says talks are underway for NBA pre-season games in Australia

FRESH from announcing a record seven NBA pre-season games in the US this September and October, NBL boss Larry Kestelman has confirmed plans to bring the NBA to Australia.

Larry Kestelman, to announce the details of the games between NBL and NBA teams during this year's NBA Preseason. Picture: AAP Image

AUSTRALIA will host NBA pre-season games in the coming years.

That’s the message from NBL boss Larry Kestelman after his league announced a record seven NBA pre-season games in the US this September and October.

Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and New Zealand will all compete in historic matches against some of America’s biggest franchises.

The extended series comes a year after the NBL’s successful pre-season campaign, highlighted by Melbourne’s one-point loss to a strong Oklahoma City Thunder.

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Kestelman says the NBL now has the NBA’s respect, which will pave the way for pre-season games to be played on Australian soil.

“We have been having those conversations for a while and the NBA is super supportive of bringing games here,” Kestelman said.

“So it’s a matter of when, not if. The logistics are not easy, but we already have a roster of teams that have said they’d love to come.

Larry Kestelman, NBL owner and executive chairman addresses the media during a press conference to announce the details of games between NBL and NBA teams during this year's NBA Preseason. Picture: AAP Image

“Now it is just a matter of working out the logistics and priorities for the NBA.”

Kestelman said the Boomers’ two-game series against Team USA at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium next August will help Australia secure NBA games in the future.

If the NBL, Basketball Australia and Visit Victoria can combine to nail this event it will be looked upon favourably by the NBA.

“So we’ll keep building and I see no reason why in the future we won’t have NBA clubs in Australia,” he said.

“It probably won’t be for a couple of years, but we will continue the conversations.

“But it’s a journey — I feel like we have only just solidified who we are and what we do.

“Stay tuned for many more announcements, trust me, I’m working hard in the background.”