Adam Forde reportedly set to return to coach Cairns Taipans for the 2025/26 National Basketball League season

Adam Forde is reportedly back, with the Taipans coach rumoured to have struck a new deal ahead of the 2025/26 NBL season. DETAILS:

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 25: Adam Forde Head Coach of the Taipans talks to his players during the round 18 NBL match between Perth Wildcats and Cairns Taipans at RAC Arena, on January 25, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

In a shock turnaround, Cairns Taipans are rumoured to have re-signed coach Adam Forde for the 2025/26 NBL season.

Forde, who coached the team from 2021 through to the end of the 2024/25 season, initially chose not to return to the club for the upcoming campaign as he looked to pursue coaching opportunities on the international stage.

The change of heart, which has been reported by ESPN’s Olgun Uluc, would come as the franchise has signalled its desire to move to a private ownership structure, as previously reported in this masthead.

The influx of new owners would likely come with an increased budget with which to attract top-line talent.

Returning players Kyrin Galloway, Sam Waardenburg, Alex Higgins-Titsha, and Kody Stattmann are currently the only players rostered with the Taipans for the coming season.

The reports come after the club and Forde announced he would be stepping down from the head coaching role for NBL26.

The club’s statement said he would be assisting in its search for a new head coach.

The Taipans have been approached for comment.

More to come.

Originally published as Adam Forde reportedly set to return to coach Cairns Taipans for the 2025/26 National Basketball League season