Carmelo Anthony to headline HoopsFest

Carmelo Anthony, a sports icon, entrepreneur and one of the greatest NBA players of all time, is set to headline the biggest weekend in Australian basketball history. Next month, the 10x NBA All-Star will travel to  Perth, Western Australia, to immerse himself in all elements of HoopsFest and give fans the chance to interact with one of the top scorers in the league's history.
 
On September 19, 2024, Anthony will attend the NBL season opener with current champion Tasmania JackJumpers taking on Melbourne United. He will also be getting a first look at this year’s class of Next Stars, as part of his recently announced Global Ambassador role for the NBL Next Stars program. Anthony has also been named future owner of an NBL expansion team.
 
“I’m excited for my trip to Australia and to experience firsthand the global impact of basketball. The NBL’s growth and success is rooted in their commitment to nurture emerging talent and I can’t wait to do my part to help the league reach new heights onto the world stage,” Anthony said.
 
“Having Carmelo Anthony attend HoopsFest to help launch the season is a massive coup for the NBL, and another reason why the weekend will be the biggest in Australian basketball history," NBL CEO David Stevenson said.

"Carmelo has an authentic and genuine interest in growing the NBL and showcasing it on the world stage. This is evident by both his role with the Next Stars program, as well as him travelling to Perth to engage with the league.
 
“The NBL is already the second-best league in the world, and having people of Carmelo’s stature involved solidifies the competition’s standing and reputation on the global landscape. We can’t wait to have Carmelo courtside for the season opener, while giving our passionate fans attending HoopsFest the opportunity to see an NBA legend.”
 
“We know that Western Australians and basketball fans right across the country love their NBA, so having a name like Carmelo Anthony associated with this event is a massive achievement,” WA Deputy Premier and Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti said.
 
“Carmelo adds to the stellar HoopsFest lineup of Sneakerland, a fan festival plus of course top-quality basketball across four venues in Perth, so it really is going to be the biggest weekend of basketball we’ve ever seen.”

CARMELO ANTHONY:

• 2003-2022: 19-season NBA career (Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers)
• 2003 NBA Draft: 3rd overall pick
• 2003 NCAA National Championship, Most Outstanding Player (Syracuse University)
• 10x NBA All-Star
• 4x Olympic Medalist
• 2013 NBA scoring leader
• 2x All-NBA Second Teams
• 4x All-NBA Third Teams
• NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team (dedicated to the 75 greatest players in the league’s history)