Must-watch games headline schedule

The exciting Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season schedule is jam-packed with thrilling fixtures, across a bumper 21 rounds.

The 2026-27 season will tip off with a bang, with 13 games across the first nine days of the season, as the League looks to reach even greater heights than NBL26’s record-breaking success.

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Ahead of the season getting underway, here are some of the key games to look forward to.

Opening Game - Joe Ingles returns‍

Melbourne vs Adelaide: Saturday, September 19 at John Cain Arena (7:30pm AEST)
‍All eyes will be on John Cain Arena, as the NBL27 season officially tips off, with Melbourne hosts last season’s runner-up, Adelaide.

As well as being a blockbuster fixture, it will also mark Joe Ingles’ first match back in the League since March 13, 2009.

In that fixture, a then 21-year-old Ingles helped the South Dragons win the NBL09 championship.

Taran Armstrong’s first game back in Tasmania‍

Tasmania vs South East Melbourne: Monday, September 21 at MyState Bank Arena (7:30pm AEST)
‍He’s one of the club’s biggest signings in their club history, and this game will mark Taran Armstrong’s first game as a JackJumper on home soil.

The Tasmanian junior, fresh from a stint in the EuroLeague with Dubai Basketball, will make his home debut against South East Melbourne in a blockbuster clash at MyState Bank Arena.

Trevor Gleeson returns to Perth‍

Perth vs Adelaide: Thursday, September 24 at RAC Arena (9:30pm AEST)
‍During his eight seasons in Perth, Trevor Gleeson won five Championships with the Wildcats, with three of them being alongside superstar sBryce Cotton.

This fixture will mark Gleeson’s first back at RAC Arena since leaving for the NBA and China following the NBL21 season.

Will Weaver returns to Sydney‍

Sydney vs Brisbane: Wednesday, September 30 at Qudos Bank Arena (7:30pm AEST)
The last time Will Weaver coached in the Hungry Jack’s NBL was guiding the Sydney Kings to the NBL20 Championships Series.

Since then, the American has spent time in the United States and France, before recently being named Brisbane’s new President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach.

This Round 3 fixture marks Weaver’s first back at Qudos Bank Arena since his departure, where he will line up against former star player Xavier Cooks.

Championship Series Rematch

Sydney vs Adelaide: Sunday, October 11 at Qudos Bank Arena (3pm AEDT)
‍The NBL26 Championship Series will go down as one of the League’s greatest, with Sydney prevailing 3-2 against Adelaide, following a thrilling overtime in Game 5.

All five of those matches were full of drama and excitement, and this first matchup of NBL27 is expected to be just as exciting.

Christmas Day‍

Sydney vs Illawarra: Friday, December 25 at Qudos Bank Arena (time TBC)
‍The Kings’ Christmas match has become one of the hallmarks of the NBL calendar.

This will mark the fifth edition of the festive fixture and the fourth against their NSW rivals Illawarra.

This must-see clash is also the headliner for the League’s 12 Days of Christmas.

New Year’s Eve double-header‍

Illawarra vs South East Melbourne: Thursday, December 31 at WIN Entertainment Centre (5:30pm AEDT)
Cairns vs New Zealand: Thursday, December 31 at Cairns Convention Centre (7:30pm AEDT)

Once again, there’s set to be fireworks both on and off the court this New Year’s Eve, as an NBL double-header helps fans bring in 2027.

The Hawks will first host the Phoenix before the Taipans entertain the Breakers, with both fixtures sure to provide plenty of excitement.

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