NATIONAL Basketball League (NBL) fans will have the shortest turnaround between seasons in 16 years, with the NBL25 schedule released today. The schedule tips off on September 19, the earliest a season has begun since 2008 and is headlined by a huge opening fortnight and a plethora of blockbuster.

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All teams begin in Perth as part of the “HoopsFest” initiative, before a blockbuster Round 2 sees a stack of rivalries ignite back on the respective homecourts.

There is no better opening than a grand final rematch between Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers on Thursday, September 19, before the Perth Wildcats lock horns with South East Melbourne Phoenix the day after on their homecourt.

New Zealand Breakers will play a home game as far away from their homecourt as possible when they host Brisbane Breakers on the Saturday, with equally far Cairns Taipans hosting Illawarra Hawks on the same day. Completing the opening round out west is Adelaide 36ers clashing with Sydney Kings.

For the JackJumpers fans disappointed their cannot play United on their homecourt in the first grand final rematch, fear not because just nine days later both sides return to MyState Bank Arena to tip off on Saturday, September 28 from 8pm AEST.

It marks a frantic start to the season for United, who also clash with Victorian rivals the Phoenix on Thursday, September 26 at John Cain Arena, before another two games in Round 3 when United travel to Perth again, this time to face the Wildcats, before hosting the Taipans.

“Excitement is building for next season, and we are thrilled to announce a schedule that’ll see the campaign begin with a bang in Perth,” NBL CEO David Stevenson said.

“There’s real anticipation for us to be back playing, and having the combination of the biggest weekend in Australian basketball history with HoopsFest, alongside a Round 2 schedule that’s jam-packed with great matchups, ensures we will return in the biggest way possible.

“Fans are at the forefront of everything we do, and after welcoming more than a million people through the gates for the first time since 1996, we have developed a schedule that is filled with family friendly timeslots, especially through the summer holidays. 

“The NBL’s broadcast product will also be enhanced with the addition of the marquee 2:30pm Sunday timeslot, with those games to be broadcast in HD on Channel 10 – the first time the League will be on a main free-to-air channel in a decade.

“I want to give a big thanks to all of our clubs, broadcasters, and venues in helping us create a schedule that is sure to deliver some memorable moments when the season begins.” 

The NBL25 regular season finishes on Saturday, February 8 with a Throwdown between United and the Phoenix to close out the year in style at John Cain Arena.

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