The Allan Labor Government is giving Victorians the chance to cheer on their hometown basketball heroes before the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with all six of Australia’s national basketball teams bound for Melbourne in a history-making series.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today announced Ballin’ 24, which will see the Australian Boomers, Opals, Rollers and Gliders – as well as the men’s and women’s 3×3 teams – face off against China and Japan at John Cain Arena from Tuesday, 2 July until Friday, 5 July.

Thousands of fans are set to flock to the heart of Melbourne for this epic event, the first time that all of Australia’s national basketball teams will ever compete in the same series.

Secured by the Labor Government through Visit Victoria, Ballin’ 24 will feature 16 games, with the Opals, Boomers, and men’s and women’s 3×3 teams taking on China, while the Rollers and Gliders will face Japan’s wheelchair basketball teams.

As more homegrown basketballers make their mark on the global stage, this series will give Victorians and visitors the opportunity to cheer on Australian icons before the teams head to Paris.

Ballin’ 24 adds to Victoria’s jam-packed calendar of upcoming sporting and cultural major events, including game two of the NRL State of Origin, Global Football Week – Melbourne, White Night Ballarat, RISING and NGV’s Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition Pharaoh.

As a key driver of the state’s visitor economy, these blockbuster events will deliver significant benefits to our tourism, hospitality and retail sectors, building on a record high of $37.8 billion in tourism spending in Victoria over 2023.

Tickets will go on sale on Tuesday, 23 April at 10am via Ticketek.

As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan

“It’s a slam dunk for Victoria on and off the court – showcasing our homegrown basketball talent here in Victoria and supporting more local jobs and businesses as fans turn out in droves for this series.”

As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos

“These games are bringing international basketball and Olympic fever to Victoria in another boost for our jam-packed major events calendar.”

As stated by Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Matt Scriven

“John Cain Arena will set the stage for a world first experience in July and provide a moment for supporters to give our Aussie basketballers a momentum boost as they lock in for Paris.”