NBL26 Finals: Format Explainer

Now one of the tightest races to the Finals in recent memory has played out, the real competition tips off.

NBL26 will once again be utilising the Play-In format that was added to the post-season calendar in NBL23, which means any of the teams that finish in the top six on the ladder will give themselves a chance to etch their names into the history books.

In this system, both first and second on the ladder will progress straight to the Playoffs, with the other four sides contesting the Play-Ins fixtures.

Third and fourth will contest the Seeding Qualifier, with the victor progressing to take on second in a best-of-three Playoff Series.

While the loser hosts the winner of the Play-In Qualifier (fifth vs sixth), for a chance to take on the first in the Playoffs.

Following these two Play-In games, the four teams for the NBL26 Playoffs will be set, as they strive to qualify for the best-of-five Championship Series.

Championship Series

Game 1
Sydney Kings v Adelaide 36ers
Saturday, March 21 - 7pm AEDT
Qudos Bank Arena
How to watch: ESPN & 10 Drama
Tickets: Kings Finals Hub | Ticketek

Game 2
Adelaide 36ers v Sydney Kings
Friday, March 27 - 7:30pm AEDT
Adelaide Entertainment Centre
How to watch: ESPN
Tickets: 36ers Finals Hub | Ticketek

Game 3
Sydney Kings v Adelaide 36ers
Sunday, March 29 - 2:30pm AEDT
Qudos Bank Arena
How to watch: ESPN & 10
Tickets: Kings Finals Hub | Ticketek

Game 4 (if required)
Adelaide 36ers v Sydney Kings
Wednesday, April 1 - 7:30pm AEDT
Adelaide Entertainment Centre
How to watch: ESPN
Tickets: 36ers Finals Hub | Ticketek

Game 5 (if required)
Sydney Kings v Adelaide 36ers
Further details TBC