Blockbuster Opening Round to Tip Off 2020-21 Hungry Jack's NBL Season

The 2020-21 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season will tip off on January 10 with the Throwdown between Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix headlining a nine game opening round.

The blockbuster opening round will feature a rematch of last year’s NBL Grand Final as the reigning champions, Perth Wildcats, take on the Sydney Kings at RAC Arena on Friday January 15.

The NBL today released the first five rounds of what will be a rolling schedule for the season. A total of 39 games will be played over the first 37 days of the season in front of fans across Australia.

The full schedule for the opening round of the 2020-21 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season is:

Sunday, January 10
Melbourne United v South East Melbourne Phoenix (TBC)

Thursday, January 14
South East Melbourne Phoenix v The Hawks (TBC)

Friday January 15

Melbourne United v SKY Sport New Zealand Breakers (TBC)*

Perth Wildcats v Sydney Kings, RAC Arena

Saturday, January 16

Brisbane Bullets v Cairns Taipans, Nissan Arena
The Hawks v South East Melbourne Phoenix, WIN Entertainment Centre

Sunday, January 17

Adelaide 36ers v Sydney Kings, Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Perth Wildcats v Melbourne United, RAC Arena

Tuesday, January 19

Cairns Taipans v The Hawks, Cairns Pop-Up Arena

*May be moved to Wednesday January 13 subject to venue availability

NBL Owner and Executive Chairman Larry Kestelman said: “We couldn’t be more excited to be announcing the start of the Hungry Jack’s NBL season. The NBL is one of Australia’s most popular sports and fans can’t wait for the season to start.

“I want to thank all of our clubs, players, staff, officials and corporate partners for their outstanding support in what has been a long and challenging

offseason as we get ready to deliver the NBL’s 43rd consecutive season.

“Given the challenges of 2020 this is a fantastic outcome to be able to play in front of fans again right across Australia. We now look forward to enjoying world class basketball and great entertainment over the coming months.”

CLICK HERE FOR SCHEDULE FOR THE FIRST FIVE ROUNDS OF THE 2020-21 HUNGRY JACK’S NBL SEASON

NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said the schedule would be announced in stages during the season and the NBL was still considering the option of using a hub for part of the season.

“All teams will start the season playing games in front of fans in their home cities except the SKY Sport New Zealand Breakers who will be based out of Melbourne and travel for games for the initial part of the season.

“We hope the Breakers will be able to return to New Zealand once border restrictions and scheduling allows for that to happen and play as many games as possible in front of their fans.”

He said the regular season was expected to finish in May ahead of the finals. “Capacities at venues will vary according to their location but the aim is to play as many games in front of as many fans as possible as restrictions are further eased over the coming months.

“We are currently in discussions with the Victorian Government but our preference is to play the first three games of the season at John Cain Arena.

“But we will need to remain flexible with our scheduling and it will be subject to change based on border controls and health advice. For example, games in Adelaide have been currently scheduled on the basis that border restrictions will be lifted.”

Loeliger said the league was finalising its COVID safe protocols with the Clubs ahead of preseason games across December and January. These games would replace the NBL Blitz which will not be staged this year.

Start times for games will be confirmed. Games will be broadcast live on SBS, ESPN and SKY Sports (NZ).