NBL among fastest growing leagues

The Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League has cemented itself as one of the fastest growing sporting leagues in Australia and New Zealand after an incredible start to the 2023/24 season, with unparalleled growth across all key areas. 

On the back of strong growth last season, broadcast has increased a further 30% after the first eight rounds.

In-stadium attendance is also through the roof, with total attendance increasing by more than 14% and arena capacity sitting at around 80%.

“The NBL has never been in a stronger position on and off the court, and there’s no doubt about where we sit in terms of being one of - if not the - fastest growing league in the sporting market,” NBL CEO David Stevenson said.

“We have seen a tremendous growth in our broadcast numbers, with more and more people tuned into what is developing into one of the closest and most competitive seasons on record. I want to give a massive thanks to our broadcast partner ESPN for its ongoing cooperation and support of the NBL, which has made this growth possible.

“Going to an NBL game is an experience unlike any other, with world-class basketball and an engaging, family-friendly entertainment. A lot of credit goes to the clubs, which put on wonderful gameday experiences for the fans every match and to the players who are putting on an amazing show on the court.”

The league’s digital footprint has also expanded significantly with app downloads up more than 57%, website and app views up almost 50%, and social media audience up 35%.

“While it has been an incredible start, we have plenty of work to do to ensure we exit the mid-season break with as much momentum as possible,” Stevenson added.

“Our teams will use the next week to refresh and reload for the second half of the season and will come out strongly as we head into a busy summer schedule.

“We will return with a bang in Round 9, with the resurgent Perth Wildcats and defending champion Sydney Kings clashing and Queensland rivals Cairns and Brisbane locking horns. Melbourne United will be out to keep a strong hold on top spot, with the chasing pack hoping to solidify spots in the top six.

“Summer will be headlined by our 12 games of Christmas campaign, open air games in Melbourne and Perth, two games on Christmas evening/night in Tasmania and Sydney, as well as New Year’s Eve games in Illawarra and Cairns, and the New Year’s Day game in Tasmania.”

The 2023/24 Hungry Jack’s NBL season continues on Thursday, November 30, after the mandatory mid-season break. The New Zealand Breakers will host the Adelaide 36ers at Wolfbrook Arena at 5:30pm AEDT. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN via Kayo Sports and Sky Sport in New Zealand.