REPORT: Boomers in talks to host hoops heavyweight

The Australian Boomers will reportedly welcome one of the world’s top basketball teams to the country for a pair of exhibition games next year.

According to ESPN’s Olgun Uluc, the Boomers are in advanced discussions to host Canada for a two-game exhibition series in August next year, as part of preparations for the 2027 FIBA World Cup.

The current world number five, who defeated Team USA in the 2023 World Cup bronze medal game, is coached by New Zealand Breakers’ Gordon Herbert and features NBA superstars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dillon Brooks, and Luguentz Dort.

ESPN reports these two games are contingent on both teams qualifying for the World Cup, with the plan for the squads to stop in Australia en route to Qatar.

As it stands, the Boomers are undefeated in the Asian Qualifiers, while the Canadians have claimed victory in all four of their Americas Qualifiers.

This wouldn’t be the first time Canada has used Australia as part of its World Cup preparations, playing five exhibition games, against Australia, New Zealand and the United States, in 2019.

In more reporting by ESPN, Basketball Australia is apparently in talks to host an exhibition series leading into the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greece, Victor Wembanyama’s France, Franz Wagner’s Germany and Santi Aldama’s Spain are reportedly among the potential opponents being targeted.