Blitz heads to Canberra

The National Basketball League (NBL) today announced its pre-season tournament, the Blitz, will be held in Canberra in 2025.

Fans will converge on AIS Arena from August 27, for five days of non-stop action where all 10 NBL teams make their final preparations ahead of the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Season.

"Bringing the Blitz to Canberra is the highlight of our pre-season calendar,” NBL Chief Operations Officer and Head of Basketball Operations, Vince Crivelli said.

“We are incredibly grateful for the strong support from the ACT Government, our clubs, and AIS Arena for making this event possible. Canberra basketball has an amazing history with the NBL, and most significantly as the Cannons winning three championships in 1983, 1984 and 1988, so we are delighted to be back hosting elite NBL competition here.

“Canberra's passionate basketball fans, and those from around the country, are encouraged to make the trip for this great event as we look to showcase professional basketball with everything the ACT has to offer.”

>> Visit the NBL Blitz website

‍ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr added: “We look forward to welcoming the NBL Blitz to Canberra in 2025. The recently refurbished AIS Arena is set to host five nights of incredible basketball talent with double headers each evening.  Basketball has a strong and long-standing following in the ACT, and the Blitz gives Canberrans, and visitors, the chance to see some of the best talent in the country up close.”

"Bringing the NBL Blitz back to Canberra is fantastic,” NBL Group CEO David Stevenson said. “We are grateful for the strong support from the ACT Government, our NBL Clubs, Basketball ACT and AIS Arena for making this event possible.

“This event isn't just about elite basketball; it's also a wonderful opportunity for community engagement and to foster the NBL stars of the future, and we encourage everyone to get involved. We can't wait to deliver five days of exhilarating basketball for our passionate fans, who are truly the heartbeat of our league and whose enthusiasm always makes the Blitz a highlight of our pre-season."

The jam-packed schedule of double-headers includes:‍

Wednesday 27^th August:
‍Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United
Adelaide 36ers vs Illawarra Hawks

‍Thursday 28^th August:
‍Brisbane Bullets vs Sydney Kings
Cairns Taipans vs Tasmania JackJumpers‍

Friday 29^th August:
‍South East Melbourne Phoenix vs New Zealand Breakers
Illawarra Hawks vs Perth Wildcats‍

Saturday 30^th August:
‍Melbourne United vs Brisbane Bullets
Tasmania JackJumpers vs Adelaide 36ers‍

Sunday 31^st August:
Sydney Kings vs South East Melbourne Phoenix
New Zealand Breakers vs Cairns Taipans

Don't miss your chance to be part of the NBL Blitz and witness the future of Australian basketball unfold. Gather your friends and family, plan your trip to Canberra, and secure your tickets to experience the excitement firsthand!

Tickets are available now, with limited free entry for kids.

>> Visit the NBL Blitz website

Stay tuned to NBL.com.au and NBL social media channels for all the latest updates.