NBL set to Blitz Darwin as Top End to host national preseason competition
The Territory has scored a major sporting coup with Darwin to host the NBL Blitz pre-season competition in September.
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THE Territory has scored a major sporting coup with Darwin to host the NBL Blitz pre-season competition in September.
All 10 National Basketball League teams will compete in the competition to be held at the Darwin Basketball Stadium and Darwin Netball Stadium over nine days from September 10 to September 18.
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles and NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger will announce further details on Saturday.
“This is a huge win for the Territory, one that means Territorians will be able to watch some of the best basketballers in the country, live and right here at home,” Ms Fyles said.
“This major international event will also boost visitor numbers to the Territory in the form of players, support crews and travelling fans, which is also great news for our tourism and hospitality sectors.”
A 3x3 Pro Hustle tournament featuring 25 teams including international players will be held at the same time at the Darwin Waterfront.
Major Events Minister Paul Kirby said the events would provide a significant boost to the economy.
“We thank the NBL for choosing the Territory, opening the door to future opportunities as a result of a strengthened relationship with the Territory government,” he said.
The coup comes amid a renewed push for Darwin to have a team in the National Basketball League’s top-flight competition.
The push is gaining momentum on the back of the success of the Darwin Salties, who entered the second-tier NBL1 competition this year.
The Salties have been playing in front of sellout crowds at the Darwin Basketball Stadium since entering the competition in April.
The Salties’ mens’ team – which features NBL stars Tad Dufelmeier, Nathan Jawai and Makuach Maluach – sits third on the NBL1 North ladder at the halfway point of the season.
NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said the league was delighted to bring the Blitz to Darwin.
“Darwin is a city filled with passionate sporting fans who are eager to engage and connect with a professional sporting league and they will get to do that during the NBL Blitz,” he said.
“Basketball is booming in the Northern Territory with strong participation numbers and the impressive performances of the Darwin Salties in their inaugural NBL1 North season.”
Matt Cunningham is the Darwin Bureau Chief for Fox Sports News and Sky News
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