13 blockbusters to open new season

The Hungry Jack’s NBL will look to build off its tremendous momentum with a huge start to the fast-approaching 2026-27 season.

Fresh off a record-breaking NBL26 campaign, next season’s Opening Round will feature 13 exciting games across nine nights, from Saturday, September 19 to Sunday, September 27.

These blockbusters, which will span across two rounds, tip-off with Melbourne United hosting runners-up Adelaide at John Cain Arena on Saturday.

This fixture, starting at 7.30pm AEST, will mark Australian hoops icon Joe Ingles’ first game back in the NBL since 2009, when he guided the South Dragons to the championship.

Later that night, last season’s two Playoff Finalists, Perth and South East Melbourne, will lock horns at RAC Arena, as both sides attempt to go at least one step further in NBL27.

Both these fixtures will be the first of 39 on the Nine Network, which recently became the League’s free-to-air broadcast partner.

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The first Sunday double-header follows the next day, with the revamped New Zealand Breakers hosting the Illawarra Hawks from 3pm, before reigning champions Sydney take on Cairns at Qudos Bank Arena.

The latter, tipping off at 5pm, will see the Kings unfurl their sixth Championship Banner and their players and coaches presented with their championship rings.

Monday will see Tasmanian talent Taran Armstrong make his JackJumpers debut on home soil, with the Ants hosting the Phoenix at MyState Bank Arena from 7.30pm.

On Tuesday, Will Weaver’s Brisbane Bullets take on the Breakers, before Cairns entertain the JackJumpers on Wednesday.

A Thursday double-header will ensue, with the Phoenix hosting United in the 33rd Throwdown, before Trevor Gleeson makes his return to RAC Arena as Adelaide travels to Perth.

Friday will see the Bullets battle the Hawks at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, before long-time rivals the Wildcats and New Zealand face off in Perth on Saturday.

The first all-NSW showdown will tip off proceedings on Sunday, as Brian Goorjian’s Kings host the NBL25 champions, before Gleeson coaches his first home game as a Sixer.

In that fixture, which wraps up the bumper opening two rounds, Adelaide lines up with Cairns.

Hungry Jack's NBL27 Season - Opening Week Schedule

Saturday, September 19
‍Melbourne United vs Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena (7.30pm AEST)
Perth Wildcats vs South East Melbourne at RAC Arena (9.30pm AEST)‍

Sunday, September 20
‍New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks at Spark Arena (3pm AEST)
Sydney Kings vs Cairns Taipans at Qudos Bank Arena (5pm AEST)‍

Monday, September 21
‍Tasmania JackJumpers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix at MyState Bank Arena (7.30pm AEST)‍

Tuesday, September 22
‍Brisbane Bullets vs New Zealand at Pat Rafter Arena (7.30pm AEST)‍

Wednesday, September 23
‍Cairns Taipans vs Tasmania JackJumpers at Cairns Convention Centre (7.30pm AEST)‍

Thursday, September 24
‍South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Melbourne United at John Cain Arena (7.30pm AEST)
Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers at RAC Arena (9.30pm AEST)

Friday, September 25
‍Brisbane Bullets vs Illawarra Hawks at Brisbane Entertainment Centre (7.30pm AEST)‍

Saturday, September 26
‍Perth Wildcats vs New Zealand Breakers at RAC Arena (9.30pm AEST)‍

Sunday, September 27
‍Adelaide 36ers vs Cairns Taipans at Adelaide Entertainment Ccentre (4pm AEST)
Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks at Qudos Bank Arena (6pm AEST)

The full schedule, including game times, venues and broadcast details, is available now via the NBL App.

Fans are encouraged to sync their favourite team’s schedule and stay across NBL channels for ticket information and further announcements as the countdown to September begins.

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