Pelicans to play NBL teams in Australia

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The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), in collaboration with Visit Victoria, today announced that the New Orleans Pelicans will play two preseason games against NBL teams in Melbourne this October, marking the first NBA games in Australia.  The Pelicans will play Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix in Melbourne Park on Friday Oct. 3 and Sunday Oct. 5, 2025, with the NBL serving as the official promoter and organiser of the Melbourne Series. 

In addition to the games, the NBA, the NBL and the Pelicans will conduct NBA Cares community outreach initiatives and lifestyle events leading up to and during the week of the games, including a Fan Night on Saturday Oct. 4.  The NBA and the NBL also plan to expand their grassroots basketball development efforts in Asia-Pacific at the youth and elite levels in the coming years.  

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The announcement was made today in Melbourne by New Orleans Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin; NBL Executive Director & Owner Larry Kestelman; Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos; and NBA Asia Head of Strategy Rajah Chaudhry.

The Pelicans currently feature two-time NBA All-Star Zion Williamson, 2022 NBA All-Star Dejounte Murray and 2015-16 Kia NBA Most Improved Player CJ McCollum.  Tickets for the games and surrounding events will go on sale at a later date.  Fans can register their interest and gain access to presale information and more here.

The announcement builds on the NBA and NBL’s prior collaborations that began in 2016.  Seven NBL teams have traveled to the U.S. to play 24 preseason games against NBA teams.  The NBA twice collaborated with the NBL to host Basketball Without Borders, the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program, in Australia (2016 in Melbourne and 2024 in Perth).  To date, nine players from the NBL’s Next Stars program have been drafted directly from the NBL into the NBA, including Ousmane Dieng (Oklahoma City Thunder), Josh Giddey (Chicago Bulls), LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets), and 2024 No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards).  A record four Next Stars were selected in the 2024 NBA Draft: Sarr, AJ Johnson (Wizards), Bobi Klintman (Detroit Pistons) and Ariel Hukporti (New York Knicks). 

NBA games and programming reach fans in Australia on ESPN and NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription service available via the NBA App.  Fans in Australia can shop for the latest NBA merchandise at NBAStore.com.au, the official online NBA Store in Australia.  For more information about the NBA, fans in Australia can visit The Sporting News Australia, download the NBA App and follow the NBA on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.  For more on the NBL, fans can visit NBL.com.au.

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Frequently asked questions

When do NBA x NBL tickets go on sale?

Tickets for the games and surrounding events will be available for purchase from 12pm AEST on Friday, May 30 for those who registered their interest and received access to the pre-sale.

How do I access the pre-sale?

You can access the pre-sale through Ticketek using the unique access code that was emailed to you.

Can I still register after the pre-sale has gone live?

No, registrations for the pre-sale closed on May 30. Details on the general sale will be announced shortly.

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets are available via Ticketek.

Will I get my tickets immediately after purchase?

You will receive an immediate confirmation email once your order is complete. Tickets will also be accessible via the Ticketek app. Barcodes will be unlocked closer to the event date.

How many tickets can I purchase?

Each pre-sale code allows:
- Up to 6 tickets per game
- Up to 10 tickets for the Open Training and Fan Night events

Ticketek queue/waiting room

High demand is expected. If you encounter a queue or lounge page, it means many fans are purchasing at once. A queue system has been implemented to manage access. Please remain on the page and do not refresh your browser — the page will refresh automatically when it's your turn to purchase.

Group tickets

Group ticketing is available for the Fan Night and Open Training events.
Visit: Group Bookings | Ticketek Australia for more information.
Please note: Group ticketing is not available for the games.

Ticketing classifications

- Children: 2 years and under free (must sit on a guardian’s lap)
- Junior: 15 years and under
- Adult: 16 years and older

Are there premium experience / hospitality packages available?

Yes, Courtside seating is available via Ticketek and includes:
- Unmatched views from the best seats in the house
- Premium food and beverage package
- Exclusive access to the VIP Lounge for an elevated game-day experience

For enquiries, contact events@nbl.com.au

How do I purchase Accessible Seating?

Accessible ticket types may include wheelchair, vision impaired, hearing impaired, easy access, and Companion Card options.

Use the Accessible filter on the Ticketek website to view available options.

If this option isn’t visible, call 1300 665 915 or submit an Accessible Ticket Booking Form.
More info: Ticketek Accessibility

For venue-specific accessibility info, visit:
Accessibility - Rod Laver Arena

Do you accept Companion Cards?

Yes. If you hold a government-issued Companion Card, you may be eligible for a complimentary ticket for your companion (subject to availability).

You must select a full-priced ticket when redeeming a Companion Card ticket.

Follow the Accessible Seating instructions above and ensure you bring your Companion Card on the day for verification by venue staff.

Rod Laver Arena venue information

For travel info, parking, maps, FAQs, and more:
Plan Your Visit - Rod Laver Arena

Who’s playing?

- New Orleans Pelicans vs. Melbourne United – Friday, October 3, 2025 - 7.30pm AEST
- New Orleans Pelicans vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix – Sunday, October 5, 2025 - 2pm AEDT

Where are the games being played?

Both games will be held at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Victoria.

What tickets can I buy?

- Game 1 – New Orleans Pelicans vs. Melbourne United - Friday, October 3, 2025 - 7.30pm AEST
- Game 2 – New Orleans Pelicans vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix - Sunday, October 5, 2025 - 2PM AEDT

- Pelicans Open Training – Thursday, October 2, 2025, 1pm AEST : Includes an exclusive first look at the team’s training, player Q&A and more
- NBA x NBL Fan Night – Saturday, October 4, 2025, 6pm AEST: A showcase event with player performances, basketball challenges, live entertainment and more