FIBA Break: Why are there no NBL games this week?

After 10 thrilling rounds, the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season will take a time-out this weekend for the November FIBA Break.

What is the FIBA Break?
The FIBA Break presents an opportunity for NBL players to represent their countries at international level.

This year the window coincides with 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Who's playing during this period? 
While the teams will use this time to recharge and reassess their seasons, many of the competition's stars will be lining up for their respective countries.

Most notably, the Australian Boomers will take on the New Zealand Tall Blacks, with both rosters loaded with NBL talent.

During their two matches against New Zealand in Hobart and Wellington, the Boomers will be led by associate head coach Dean Vickerman (Melbourne) and feature Kerry Williams (Adelaide), Luke Brennan (South East Melbourne) and John Rillie (Perth) on the staff.

The green and gold team will be headlined by South East Melbourne's Jordan Hunter, Angus Glover and Owen Foxwell, Tasmania's Josh Bannan, Sydney's Jaylin Galloway, Melbourne's Dash Daniels, Brisbane's Alex Ducas, Illawarra's Will Hickey and Perth's Elijah Pepper.

Joining those nine NBL players are Nick Kay (Shimane Susanoo Magic, Japan), Keanu Pinder (Akita Northern Happinets, Japan) and Jack White (Mersin MSK, Turkey).

Melbourne's Finn Delany will skipper the Tall Blacks squad, which will also feature Breakers' Taylor Britt, Max Darling, Carlin Davison, Sam Mennenga and Izayah Le'afa, Brisbane Bullets' Tyrell Harrison, Taine Murray and Tohi Smith-Milner, Adelaide 36ers' Flynn Cameron and Cairns Taipans' Mojave King, with Akita Northern Happinets' Yanni Wetzell rounding out Judd Flavell's roster.

Several NBL stars will be representing South Sudan in their African Qualifiers, with the likes of Perth's Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Sunday Dech, Tasmania's Majok Deng and Sydney's Bul Kuol in action.

When are the games?
‍The two Trans-Tasman World Cup Qualifiers will take place on Friday, November 28 at MyState Bank Arena, Hobart and Monday, December 1 at TSB Arena, Wellington, which will both be broadcast live on ESPN.

South Sudan will take on Libya on Thursday, November 27 at 11pm AEDT, Cape Verde on Friday, November 28 at 11pm AEDT and Cameroon on Sunday, November 30 at 8pm AEDT. All games are available via Courtside 1891.

When is the NBL back?
Once these fixtures have been completed, the 2025-26 NBL season will resume on Wednesday, December 3 when New Zealand host Sydney in an Ignite Cup game in Hamilton, live on ESPN from 5.30pm AEDT.

In terms of other basketball on this weekend, the WNBL will be hosting its exciting Round 7, with five blockbusters across the country.