"Historic" Blitz to have huge impact on Bendigo

The exciting 2026 CODE Sports NBL Blitz is headed to Bendigo, following Wednesday’s announcement at Red Energy Arena.

During the launch of the five-day event, which featured NBL Group CEO David Stevenson, Premier of Victoria and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan, Member for Bendigo West Hon. Maree Edwards MP, Australian hoops icon Andrew Gaze, South East Melbourne Phoenix’s Angus Glover and Melbourne United’s Christian D’Angelo, the impact of the Blitz was clear to see.

“This is an historic first that we've secured [the NBL Blitz] for Bendigo and regional Victoria,” Allan said.

“It's a great outcome for Victoria, as this could have gone anywhere around Australia.

“Victoria is the sporting capital of the nation and indeed the basketball capital of Australia.

“There are more people playing basketball here in Victoria than anywhere else in the country, and Bendigo is a big part of that.

“Now our junior basketballers get to meet their heroes in their own backyard.”

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One of the legends who inspired the current crop of NBL stars is Andrew Gaze, who is thrilled to bring elite-level hoops to regional Victoria.

“As an old-timer now, to see the way in which the game is evolving and to see the opportunities that players have to compete at a high level at amazing facilities like this, here in Victoria, we are absolutely blessed,” Gaze said.

“Whether it's the north, the south, the east, the west, the entire state, people can come and marvel at the infrastructure that we have.

“When you think of the success of basketball, a lot of that starts right here [in the grassroots communities].

“With this tournament that we have here, it's not just about inspiring the next Tess Madgen or Dash Daniels or Dyson Daniels, it's about inspiring people just to play.

“At this community centre here, it goes beyond just elite-level basketball, which will be demonstrated in this tournament, but it's also about locals being active, wanting to participate and play this great game.

“It's extraordinary to see the opportunities that these superstar players have to play in, and [I know] we're going to have a fantastic tournament here.”

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This year’s edition of the Blitz will look to build off last season’s record-breaking Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Season.

“To have all 10 teams playing two games each here in Bendigo will not only drive a fantastic economic contribution, but also really inspire the dreams of all of these kids who can see their heroes and emulate them,” NBL Group CEO David Stevenson said.

“We know that we've come off this incredible NBL season, probably the most remarkable in the history of the NBL. The Championship Series was one for the ages, [not to mention] record broadcast numbers, and record attendance metrics across every part of the NBL.

“[All of them] are really because of those connections to fans like the people of Bendigo.”

The 2026 CODE Sports NBL Blitz will run from September 2 to 6 and feature all 10 NBL teams.