NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
•Secure Your NBA League Pass NOW >
MELBOURNE – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL) have jointly revealed that the New Orleans Pelicans will engage in two preseason contests against NBL teams in Melbourne this October, marking the inaugural NBA games to take place in Australia. The Pelicans will face off against Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix at Melbourne Park on Friday, October 3, and Sunday, October 5, 2025. The NBL will serve as the official promoter and organizer of this Melbourne Series.
Leading up to the games, the NBA, NBL, and the Pelicans will also implement community outreach efforts through NBA Cares initiatives and lifestyle events, which will include a Fan Night on Saturday, October 4. Additionally, both the NBA and NBL aspire to enhance their grassroots basketball development activities in the Asia-Pacific region at both youth and elite levels in the upcoming years.
The revelation was made in Melbourne by David Griffin, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the New Orleans Pelicans, along with Larry Kestelman, Executive Director & Owner of the NBL, and Rajah Chaudhry, Head of Strategy for NBA Asia.
The Pelicans currently boast two-time NBA All-Star Zion Williamson, 2022 NBA All-Star Dejounte Murray, and 2015-16 Kia NBA Most Improved Player CJ McCollum. Tickets for the games and related events will be available for purchase at a future date. Fans interested in gaining access to presale information can register their interest here.
This announcement further builds on the NBA and NBL’s collaborative efforts, which began in 2016. To date, seven NBL teams have traveled to the United States to participate in 24 preseason matches against NBA teams. The NBA has twice partnered with the NBL to host the Basketball Without Borders program, aimed at global basketball development and community outreach, in Australia (first in Melbourne in 2016 and later in Perth in 2024). So far, nine players who have participated in the NBL’s Next Stars program have transitioned directly into the NBA, including Ousmane Dieng (Oklahoma City Thunder), Josh Giddey (Chicago Bulls), LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets), and the second overall pick in the 2024 draft, Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards). A record four Next Stars were selected during the 2024 NBA Draft: Sarr, AJ Johnson (Wizards), Bobi Klintman (Detroit Pistons), and Ariel Hukporti (New York Knicks).
NBA broadcasts and programming connect with fans in Australia through ESPN and NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription service accessible via the NBA App. Australian fans can also explore the latest NBA merchandise at NBAStore.com.au, the official online store for the NBA in the country. Further information regarding the NBA can be found at The Sporting News Australia, the NBA App, and through the NBA’s social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. For more details on the NBL, fans can visit NBL.com.au.
Quotes from New Orleans Pelicans executives highlight the significance of this event. Governor Gayle Benson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with fans in Australia and to share the culture of New Orleans through basketball, emphasizing the Pelicans’ excitement in competing against local teams. President Dennis Lauscha echoed these sentiments, celebrating this moment as a pivotal point for the organization and a significant development in the NBA’s global outreach.
NBL Executive Director Larry Kestelman emphasized the enduring dream of hosting an NBA team in Australia, remarking on the achievement that follows many years of effort. He expressed thanks to NBA leaders for their support during this venture. Rajah Chaudhry, from NBA Asia, noted that the forthcoming games and events would not only celebrate basketball but also fuel its growth in Australia, looking forward to a memorable week for all involved.
**About the NBA**
The NBA is a global sports and media organization devoted to inspiring and connecting people through the game of basketball. Comprising five professional leagues—NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League, and Basketball Africa League—the NBA has established a significant global presence, with games and programming offered in 214 countries and territories and merchandise available worldwide. The start of the 2024-25 season saw a record number of international players on NBA rosters, solidifying the league’s status as a truly global entity. NBA Digital encompasses several platforms, including NBA TV and the NBA App, while NBA Cares addresses critical social issues through partnerships with various community organizations around the globe.
**About the NBL**
Founded in 1979, the NBL is recognized as the premier domestic basketball league outside of the NBA. It consists of ten teams (nine in Australia and one in New Zealand), with attendance, viewership, and fan engagement experiencing significant growth since Larry Kestelman acquired full ownership in 2015. NBL teams are located in Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Cairns, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, and Wollongong.
