NBL26 Schedule
The National Basketball League (NBL) in Australia has become arguably the best basketball league in the world outside the NBA and the upcoming NBL26 season promises to be the best yet.
There have been some huge shakeups in the offseason with a number of high-profile players switching allegiances - none bigger than Bryce Cotton leaving the Wildcats to join the 36ers. These types of moves make for some juicy matchups in season, and we now have some key dates to put in our calendars after the full NBL26 schedule recently dropped.
The NBL26 season will commence on Thursday, 18 September 2025, with a blockbuster season opener in Hobart. The Tasmania JackJumpers will begin their campaign against Melbourne United in what promises to be a fiery start to the new season.
A major innovation for NBL26 is the introduction of the "Ignite Cup", a new in-season tournament. This will add an extra layer of excitement with Wednesday night double-headers, a separate ladder, and a significant prize pool for the competing teams.
The overall 165-game regular season schedule is packed with action. For the first time, it has been developed in tandem with the WNBL, creating a unified and continuous calendar of elite basketball for fans throughout the summer.
Fans can look forward to the return of major events and popular themed rounds. HoopsFest will take place over four days in Perth in January, while the Sydney Kings will host the Illawarra Hawks in a highly anticipated Christmas Day showdown.
Community and cultural celebrations remain a key focus, with an expanded two-week Indigenous Round and the vibrant Pride Round both scheduled to be held simultaneously across the NBL and WNBL.
The season will build towards the NBL Finals, which will once again feature the popular play-in tournament format. This ensures a dramatic and high-stakes conclusion to the season as teams battle for a spot in the Grand Final series.
And as always, we’ll be providing free previews and betting tips for each and every game of NBL26, so make sure to head over to our NBL Tips page regularly so you don’t miss out!
NBL26 Key Dates & Games
Season Opener: Tasmania JackJumpers vs. Melbourne United
Date: Thursday, 18 September 2025
Significance: The first game of the season, featuring the immediate return of star guard Milton Doyle to Tasmania to face his former club.
First "Throwdown": Melbourne United vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix
Date: Thursday, 25 September 2025
Significance: The first battle for Melbourne bragging rights between the two city rivals.
Matthew Dellavedova's Return to Melbourne: Melbourne United vs. Sydney Kings
Date: Monday, 3 November 2025
Significance: After leaving Melbourne for their rivals, the former fan favourite and NBA champion returns to John Cain Arena for the first time as a King.
NBL25 Grand Final Rematch: Illawarra Hawks vs. Melbourne United
Date: Wednesday, 5 November 2025
Significance: A replay of the previous season's epic Championship Series, hosted by the reigning champion Hawks.
Bryce Cotton's Return to Perth: Perth Wildcats vs. Adelaide 36ers
Date: Sunday, 7 December 2025
Significance: One of the most anticipated games of the year, as five-time MVP Bryce Cotton plays in Perth as an opponent for the first time after his historic nine seasons with the Wildcats.
Christmas Day Clash: Sydney Kings vs. Illawarra Hawks
Date: Thursday, 25 December 2025
Significance: The marquee holiday game features the fierce "Freeway Series" rivalry.
New Year's Eve Double-Header
Date: Wednesday, 31 December 2025
Significance: Fans can ring in the new year with two games: Cairns Taipans vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix and Illawarra Hawks vs. Tasmania JackJumpers.
HoopsFest Perth: Perth Wildcats vs. Illawarra Hawks
Date: Friday, 16 January 2026
Significance: A headline matchup during the four-day basketball festival in Perth, pitting the home team against the reigning champions.
