Australia’s elite basketball is bound for Perth as NBL and WNBL unite to host first festival extravaganza

Following the buzz of the AFL’s Gather and NRL’s Magic Rounds, basketball is set for a festival of its own as Basketball Australia and the NBL announce ‘HoopsFest’ set for WA.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Anneli Maley of the Lynx goes to the basket during game two of the WNBL Grand Final series between Perth Lynx and Southside Flyers at Bendat Basketball Stadium, on March 14, 2024, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Australian basketball history will be created in September when all NBL and WNBL clubs come together in Perth for a landmark HoopsFest to launch the season and capitalise on the growth of the game.

As revealed by Code Sports in February, the four-day extravaganza, which has been in the pipeline for months, fulfils a vision to unite the sport at all levels.

Created in the mould of the NRL and AFL’s Magic and Gather Rounds, all 10 NBL teams will converge on Perth to play the opening round at RAC Arena.

In a major move before the looming WNBL sale, the men will share the stage with the women for the first time via a WNBL pre-season tournament.

To cap off a basketball bonanza, the next generation has also been locked in to play through the Under-18 Australian Club Championships.

The HoopsFest will feature 13 NBL and WNBL games, and 140 Under-18 Australian Club Championship games, to be played across the blockbuster schedule.

It all tips off on September 19 with the rematch of the memorable NBL championship series between the Tasmania JackJumpers and Melbourne United at RAC Arena.

HoopsFest will launch with a NBL championship series rematch between Tasmania JackJumpers and Melbourne United. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

The hometown Perth Wildcats will battle the South East Melbourne Phoenix on the Friday night, while other matches will include the New Zealand Breakers v Brisbane Bullets, Cairns Taipans v Illawarra Hawks and Adelaide 36ers v Sydney Kings.

The WNBL tournament is set to be vital as teams prepare for the upcoming season.

There will be eight games played, including hometown team Perth Lynx taking on the Sydney Uni Flames and Southside Flyers.

It will also mark the first WNBL appearance for Geelong United.

The future of Australian basketball will be on display during the Under-18 Australian Club Championships, when 40 men’s and women’s teams battle it out for the ultimate crown.

The Under-18 Australian Club Championships will start on Tuesday, September 17.

NBL CEO Dave Stevenson has long aimed to unite the entire Australian basketball landscape, so he is thrilled to see HoopsFest come to fruition.

“I’ve always been a believer in the power of unity and collaboration, and it’s been a major goal of ours to bring the entire basketball community together,” Stevenson said.

“HoopsFest is the first of its kind and is set to be the biggest and best weekend in the sport’s history, and we are thrilled to bring it to life for the first time in Perth.

“HoopsFest will have a significant impact well beyond the court.

“Attendees will enjoy a variety of entertainment throughout Perth, including an interactive fan zone, community engagements, live music, a new and exciting match-day experience that is different to a regular match, and more.

“It will be an unforgettable experience and it’s guaranteed to create lifelong memories for all that attend.

“Thanks to the wonderful support from the Western Australian Government and Tourism WA, we have been able to make that dream a reality and we will create basketball history.”

Basketball Australia CEO Matt Scriven labelled HoopsFest a pivotal moment in the history of the sport.

“It’s fitting that Perth, one of Australia’s strongest basketball cities, will set the foundation for this exciting new tradition,” Scriven said.

“Australia is a basketball powerhouse with our culture, players and our representative teams garnering respect across the world.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that the future of basketball is centred in collaboration and empowering all levels of the game.”

The four-day event will also play host to Sneakerland, the biggest sneaker convention in Australia, where some of the world’s most sought-after sneakers will be on display and on sale.

Perth fans will be treated to the first ever festival of basketball this September. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

The fan zone will be a must visit for fans. It will include appearances from their favourite players, live music and entertainment to light up the Perth CBD.

Stevenson believes HoopsFest can create a powerful precedent for Australian basketball’s future.

“Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the country, with millions of fans right across Australia,’’ he said.

“Bringing the entire sport together in this way, from NBL to WNBL, grassroots to juniors and professionals, will help us showcase the strength of our game.

“Perth is home to one of the most passionate fanbases with the Wildcats’ Red Army and we look forward to fans from all over joining them for an unforgettable time.”

Fans can pre-register their interest for tickets now at Hoopsfest.com.au.

Pre-sale tickets, at the best rate, for the basketball family will be on sale from next Friday, while general public tickets go on sale from Tuesday, June 4.

It’s all been combined for the first time in history to create an experience unlike any other.

Pre-sale tickets will start at just $25 (adults), $9 (kids) and $60 (family).

Originally published as Australia’s elite basketball is bound for Perth as NBL and WNBL unite to host first festival extravaganza