Championship Series rematch locked in

The Hungry Jack's NBL26 Championship Series is one that will forever live in the memories of Australian basketball fans, especially those from Sydney.

The epic five-game Series, which the Kings won the decider in overtime, had everything.

From buzzer-beaters to highlight reel dunks and epic rivalries (including that between six-time MVP Bryce Cotton and NBL26 Finals MVP Kendric Davis), the 2025-26 Championship Series capped off the League’s record-breaking campaign in emphatic fashion.

Now, the whole competition has at least three more Sydney and Adelaide fixtures to look forward to in the fast-approaching new season.

The first is locked in for Sunday, October 11 (3pm AEDT), at the venue where the Kings secured their sixth NBL title.

While the next two matchups will take place at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, with the first being in Round 12 (Sunday, December 13) before the pair face off in Round 19 (Saturday, January 30).

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There will be no shortage of storylines in these games either, with none bigger than Cotton potentially taking on Davis once again, who CODE Sports is “trending in the right direction” towards a new contract.

This matchup will also pit NBL26 champion and new 36ers recruit Bul Kuol up against his former side, while two of the League’s top coaches, Brian Goorjian and Trevor Gleeson, go head-to-head.

Seven-time champion Goorjian experienced this rivalry firsthand last season and knows how good it is for the League.

“It [the rivalry] is fantastic for basketball,” Goorjian told ABC during the NBL26 Championship Series.

“I'm not one for all the hugs and kisses and high fives [between teams].

“There's a tremendous respect, but there's also no love lost between either team or organisation.

“You can tell by the support this Series is getting, there's a lot in it, and you can see it when we play. Both teams are diving on the ball, pressuring the ball, and high-fiving each other. It's a fight.

“As a spectacle, and there's been a lot of good ones in the NBL, but this rivalry's one of the best.”

Hungry Jack's NBL27 Season - Championship Series Rematches

Sunday, October 11
‍Sydney Kings vs Adelaide 36ers at Qudos Bank Arena (3pm AEST)

Sunday, December 13
‍Adelaide 36ers vs Sydney Kings at Adelaide Entertainment Centre (3pm AEDT)

Saturday, January 30
‍Adelaide 36ers vs Sydney Kings at Adelaide Entertainment Centre (7.30pm AEDT)

The full schedule, including game times, venues and broadcast details, is available now via the NBL App.

Fans are encouraged to sync their favourite team’s schedule and stay across NBL channels for ticket information and further announcements as the countdown to September begins.

‍>> FULL SCHEDULE | SYNC YOUR CALENDAR | DOWNLOAD NBL27 SCHEDULE PDF