Travel, cost and blowouts: Why NBL clubs want the annual NBLxNBA series scrapped

The 76ers’ thumping of the Breakers has put the NBLxNBA series under the microscope, with almost half of NBL clubs wanting it scrapped. Find out their biggest issues, and the one thing which can save the series, here.

The NBL vs NBA pre-season concept faces an uncertain future, with half the league reluctant to partake in the annual series during the season amid travel concerns and blowout scores.

Five teams have confirmed their lack of interest in playing pre-season games in America when the NBL season has started.

It’s widely felt that the toll it takes to travel overseas is too much for the players to overcome and clubs would prefer to focus on the home season.

However, clubs would be keen to compete in the NBA pre-season series if the timing around the games could be changed to before the NBL season started.

Melbourne United off the back of an Olympic campaign for Matthew Dellavedova and the prospect of Jack White and Chris Goulding in Olympic camp and the pre-season Blitz into Hoops Fest, didn’t consider NBLxNBA this season.

The NBL confirmed another five teams put their hand up to play in this year’s series, but only the New Zealand Breakers were locked in to participate due to timing challenges.

The Breakers lost all three games against Utah, Philadelphia and OKC by double digit margins.

Deng Acuoth Adelaide 36ers defends Aussie Jock Landale. Picture: AFP

New Zealand’s 55-point loss to the 76ers was particularly concerning – both from a result and NBL brand perspective.

It was rightly pointed out that the Australian league is considered among the best outside of the NBA, so a blowout loss isn’t ideal.

In comparison, EuroLeague teams have recorded 16 wins over NBA sides over a far longer stretch dating back to 1978.

It begs the question: would the NBL be better served scrapping the NBA pre-season series and focusing on other meaningful ways to strengthen the relationship with the world’s best league via scouting and the Next Stars?

The Breakers, for example, have put their NBL campaign on hold to get soundly beaten by NBA teams.

New Zealand have missed two rounds and now return home to a busy schedule of 16 games in nine rounds, including seven doubles.

The Breakers had extra eyes on their Next Star signing - Seventeen-year-old Mexican prospect, Karim Lopez in the States - but is that enough to justify the poor results and long travel that will have an impact on their domestic season back home?

Philadelphia 76ers destroyed the New Zealand Breakers last week. Picture: Getty Images/ AFP

A large percentage of NBL teams certainly feel sceptical about the series, hence their reluctance to be involved.

Since the concept started in 2017-18, only one NBL team has defeated an NBA side in Adelaide over the Phoenix Suns in 2022-23.

NBL CEO David Stevenson concedes the pre-season NBA games have provided challenges and the league will review current scheduling and timings.

However, Stevenson is determined for the series to continue moving forward.

“Our relationship with the NBA is one we value deeply and it continues to grow and flourish across many initiatives,” Stevenson said.

“The NBLxNBA games have been a key part of that relationship which has provided multiple highlights and some challenges. This year five clubs wished to participate, which the league fully supported although the timings do create scheduling complexities. We will continue to review the effectiveness of the games across a range of metrics.”

The Adelaide 36ers celebrate after beating the Phoenix Suns 134-124 in a pre-season game. Picture: Getty Images.

The NBA pre-season tipped off on October 4 this season – just over a week after the NBL regular season started.

It meant New Zealand played in the opening two rounds before missing the next two rounds to fly to America for three pre-season NBA games.

The NBA is unlikely to change its pre-season dates, so is it on the NBL to work around the world’s best league to maximise the pre-season series for all clubs?

Officials in Australia have already moved the start of the NBL season forward a week to September 19 after starting last season on September 28.

The reality is the NBA schedule will come first and the NBL must either change its season start or find another way to maximise its growing connection with the world’s best basketball league.

The current format isn’t working for everyone and the NBL clubs are voting with their feet.

Originally published as Travel, cost and blowouts: Why NBL clubs want the annual NBLxNBA series scrapped