FIBA Break: Why are there no NBL games this week?

After 22 thrilling regular season rounds, the Hungry Jack's NBL26 Season will take a time-out this weekend for the February FIBA Break.

What is the FIBA Break?
The FIBA Break presents an opportunity for NBL players to represent their countries at the international level.

This year, the window coincides with the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Who's playing during this period?
While the teams will use this time to recharge and reassess their seasons, many of the competition's stars will be lining up for their respective countries.

Most notably, the Australian Boomers and New Zealand Tall Blacks, both with rosters loaded with NBL talent, will play matches away at Guam and the Philippines.

During their two matches on the road, the Boomers team, which will be coached by Perth’s John Rillie, features debutants Jacob Holt (Brisbane), Tanner Krebs (Melbourne) and Kody Stattmann (Cairns).

That trio will be joined by fellow NBL stars Sam Froling (Illawarra), David Okwera (Perth),Elijah Pepper (Perth), Reyne Smith (Cairns), Isaac White (Adelaide) and Tim Wilson (Melbourne).

Rounding out the 12-person squad are Mitch Creek (U-BT Cluj-Napoca), Nick Kay (Shimane Susanoo) and Jack White (Mersin MSK).

While the Tall Blacks team contains 10 current NBL players, including New Zealand’s Reuben Te Rangi, Sam Mennenga, Carlin Davison, Taylor Britt, Alex McNaught and Max Darling, as well as Brisbane’s Tyrell Harrison, Tohi Smith-Milner and Taine Murray and Adelaide’s Keanu Rasmussen, who will be making his national senior debut.

Former NBL players Yanni Wetzell (Akita Northern Happinets - Japan) and Jordan Ngatai (Kagawa Five Arrows - Japan) are also in the Judd Flavell-coached side.

When are the games?
‍The Boomers will hit the court on Thursday, February 26 - 8pm AEDT against Guam and Sunday, March 1 - 8:30pm AEDT versus the Philippines.

The Tall Blacks play on Friday, February 27 - 10.30pm AEDT versus the Philippines and Sunday, March 1 - 6pm AEDT against Guam. 

All games are available via Courtside 1891.

When is the NBL back?
Once these fixtures have been completed, the 2025-26 NBL season will resume for the Finals on Wednesday, March 4, with the Seeding Qualifier between South East Melbourne and Perth at John Cain Arena from 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.

>> NBL26 Finals: Matchups, venues, dates & times

In terms of other basketball this week, the WNBL Championship Series between Townsville and Perth tips off on Thursday from 7pm AEDT, live on ESPN and 9Now.