NBL27 Schedule
The National Basketball League (NBL) in Australia continues to solidify its reputation as arguably the best basketball league in the world outside the NBA, and the upcoming NBL27 campaign promises to be its most action-packed yet.
Following a record-breaking NBL26 season, which saw the Sydney Kings claim their sixth championship, the league is wasting no time making a statement. The off-season has delivered some massive shakeups, headlined by Australian basketball legend and NBA veteran Joe Ingles returning home to suit up for Melbourne United. Meanwhile, Trevor Gleeson has taken the reins as head coach at the Adelaide 36ers, aiming to return the proud franchise to championship contention.
The NBL27 season will tip off with a massive 13-game extravaganza across the first nine days, commencing on Saturday, 19 September 2026. Melbourne United will host the Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena in what promises to be a fiery start to the new season.
The overall 165-game regular season schedule across 21 rounds is packed with marquee moments. Fans will be treated to the return of HoopsFest Perth in January, and popular themed rounds including Heritage Round, Indigenous Round, and Pink Slam Round. Additionally, a new "12 Days of Christmas" stretch will keep fans captivated with wall-to-wall summer hoops throughout the holiday period.
All games will be available to watch live on ESPN via Kayo Sports, with marquee matchups also broadcast free-to-air on Channel 7 and 7plus.
And as always, we will be providing free previews and betting tips for each and every game of NBL27, so make sure to head over to our NBL Tips page regularly so you do not miss out!
NBL27 Key Dates & Games
Season Opener: Melbourne United vs. Adelaide 36ers
- Date: Saturday, 19 September 2026
- Significance: The first game of the season features the highly anticipated NBL return of NBA veteran Joe Ingles in Melbourne colours, taking on Trevor Gleeson's Adelaide 36ers.
Championship Banner Raising: Sydney Kings vs. Cairns Taipans
- Date: Sunday, 20 September 2026
- Significance: The Kings will officially unfurl their sixth championship banner and receive their NBL26 rings in front of a packed home crowd.
First "Throwdown": South East Melbourne Phoenix vs. Melbourne United
- Date: Thursday, 24 September 2026
- Significance: The first battle for Melbourne bragging rights between the two city rivals at John Cain Arena.
NBL26 Grand Final Rematch: Sydney Kings vs. Adelaide 36ers
- Date: Sunday, 11 October 2026
- Significance: A massive early-season replay of last year’s Championship Series, hosted by the reigning champion Kings.
Christmas Day Clash: Sydney Kings vs. Illawarra Hawks
- Date: Friday, 25 December 2026
- Significance: The marquee holiday game features the fierce "Freeway Series" rivalry as part of the NBL's 12 Days of Christmas stretch.
New Year's Eve Double-Header
- Date: Thursday, 31 December 2026
- Significance: Fans can ring in the new year with two games: Illawarra Hawks vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix, followed by the Cairns Taipans vs. New Zealand Breakers.
HoopsFest Perth
- Date: Wednesday, 13 January to Sunday, 17 January 2027
- Significance: Five days of action at RAC Arena featuring five marquee games in a massive celebration of basketball, culture, and fans.
