The NBL will play two games on Christmas Day after last year’s success
The Big Bash has continually baulked at playing on Christmas Day but not the NBL who have gone even bigger for 2023.
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The NBL took the plunge and became the first Australian sporting code to play games on Christmas Day in 2022 and it was such a success the league is doubling down.
This year there will be two games on December 25 as the NBL looks to build on the massive 300,000 TV viewers who watched last year’s clash between the Sydney Kings and Melbourne United.
The back-to-back NBL champion Kings will go again this year, with the support of co-owner and former NBA star Andrew Bogut who has championed the cause.
But this year the Kings will take on local rivals Illawarra, who could have American teenage prodigy AJ Johnson in their line-up with the future NBA first round draft pick joining the joining the Hawks as part of the NBL‘s Next Star Program.
The Tasmania JackJumpers will meet South East Melbourne Phoenix at Hobart’s MyState Bank Arena for the first game of the double-header at 5.30pm.
“After the incredible response we had last year it was important for us to schedule a huge Christmas double-header this season,” NBL owner Larry Kestelman 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.”
ð—¦ð—”ð—¡ð—§ð—” ð—–ð—Ÿð—”ð—¨ð—¦ ð—œð—¦ ð—–ð—¢ð— ð—œð—¡ð—š ð—§ð—¢ ð—§ð—¢ð—ªð—¡ 🎅
— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) April 13, 2023
The Sydney Kings will host one of two December 25 showdowns this season as part of the @NBL's first-ever Christmas Day double-header.
📰: https://t.co/QNkgLmwr3r#WeTheKingspic.twitter.com/jBUuPUEjvW
Kings‘ co-owner Paul Smith is expecting a big demand for the club’s second straight Christmas game.
“Christmas night hoops is now a key event in the Sydney Kings‘ schedule and a series of promotions are planned all through December, to build anticipation for the game,” Smith said.
“We will continue to focus on giving throughout these promotions and Christmas night itself.
“Heavy demand for ticketing is expected, particularly in the lower bowl area, as a lot of purchasers are families and groups of friends.”
The Kings will host the Hawks at 7.30pm with games also set to be played on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.
Originally published as The NBL will play two games on Christmas Day after last year’s success
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