NBL24 round 1 fixture revealed as rivals Melbourne United and South East Melbourne to face off in opener

Two bitter rivals will tip off the NBL season in September, as part of one of the biggest weeks on the sporting calendar. See the full schedule for the first round here.

Many NBL fans called for it.

The clubs wanted it.

And now, they’ve got it.

Bitter rivals Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix will tip off NBL24 on Thursday, September 28 — two nights before the AFL grand final — with a fierce Throwdown, giving fans a first glimpse at how two new-look rosters will fly the flag in the cross-town battle.

It’s part of a monster week of sport in Melbourne with AFL prelims and history-making NHL clashes at Rod Laver Arena.

“Crosstown rivals, packed house, with the grand final public holiday the next day, I couldn’t think of a better way to start the season,” United boss Nick Truelson told News Corp.

The NBL has continued its tradition of scheduling the Phoenix as the away team in the opening Throwdown of the season, with United to host at the clubs’ shared John Cain Arena.

The Phoenix finished above United last season, but are yet to secure the opening Throwdown of a season as a home game.

The Phoenix and United will face off in the season-opener. Picture: Getty Images

The next night, Adelaide and Brisbane get their chance to put forgettable seasons behind them, before Perth unveils prized recruit Keanu Pinder in a clash with Tasmania.

The hyped Freeway series between NSW combatants Illawarra and reigning champion Sydney headline the Saturday night action in Round 1, while the Sixers get their first home game of the season against United and then the Phoenix are in action again, this time against the Wildcats.

The full NBL24 fixture will be unveiled on Thursday.

NBL TO DOUBLE DOWN ON CHRISTMAS DAY MATCHES

— Matt Logue

The NBL will double down on its historic Christmas Day game initiative, with four teams to play on December 25.

Fresh off the success of Sydney’s bold yet successful Christmas Day game against Melbourne United, the NBL is keen to maintain the momentum.

The league has locked in two games for this year’s Christmas Day – the first a local derby between the Kings and the Illawarra Hawks at Qudos Bank Arena.

Tasmania will host the second game, with the JackJumpers taking on the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

The NBL wants to capitalise on the JackJumpers’ success in the franchise’s first two seasons.

Tasmania regularly sellout MyState Bank Arena’s 4,800 capacity- and it’s hoped this will happen again for a marquee Christmas Day game.

Fans flocked to QDos Arena for the Christmas Day game last season. Picture: Getty Images

The JackJumpers versus Phoenix clash will tip-off at 5.30pm (AEDT) on December 25 followed by the Kings and Hawks blockbuster at 7.30pm (AEDT).

The NBL has taken a risk to be the first professional sport in Australia to play on Christmas Day, but the numbers suggest the gamble is a success.

The inaugural Christmas night fixture was played in front of more than 7,000 fans at Qudos Bank Arena and delivered a viewership reach of more than 300,000 people across all platforms on ESPN, Kayo Sports and Channel 10 – highlighting the success of the historic game.

The Kings versus United clash was the third most watched program on Foxtel on Christmas and the most watched game of the NBL regular season.

NBL Executive Director and Owner Larry Kestelman is confident the Christmas Day concept will go to another level with two games.

“After the incredible response we had last year, it was important for us to schedule a huge Christmas double-header this season,” Kestelman said.

“Last season’s game between Sydney and Melbourne United was watched by more than 300,000 people and was one of the most popular programs on the day. It not only delivered a fantastic in-stadium atmosphere and experience but was also a must-watch TV event.”

Kestelman believes the NBL is fast establishing a new Christmas tradition in Australia and New Zealand.

Santa makes his way through the crowd during the match between Sydney Kings and Melbourne United last Christmas. Picture: Getty Images

“Sports fans everywhere told us they want NBL on Christmas and having listened, we acted,” he said.

“We were the first professional sport to play a game on Christmas and as our League continues to grow, we want to keep breaking new ground and innovating.

“NBL on Christmas is now set to become a marquee fixture on the Australian sporting calendar, much like the NBA’s Christmas games are in America.

“This year’s Christmas double-header will be even bigger, and we are confident both the Kings and JackJumpers will put on a wonderful, family-friendly day of world class sport and entertainment.”

In an added festive bonus for NBL fans, basketball will return on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.

The Adelaide 36ers and Brisbane Bullets will clash at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Christmas Eve at 2pm AEDT in a mouth-watering match-up.

On Boxing Day, Perth signing Keanu Pinder will make his return to Cairns when the Wildcats face the Taipans at the Cairns Convention Centre at 7:30pm AEDT.

The full 2023/24 Hungry Jack’s NBL season schedule will be released on Thursday, April 20.