Ignite Cup headed to Canberra

Just weeks after Canberra hosted the CODE Sports NBL Blitz, the Sydney Kings have announced they'll be taking their second Ignite Cup game to the Nation’s Capital.

Revealed by the Kings on Friday, the harbour city side will play their Wednesday, December 17 Ignite Cup clash against the star-studded Adelaide 36ers at the AIS Arena.

"We're really excited to be bringing the Kings down to Canberra, the growth of basketball is exploding so we wanted to capitalise on that after the successful Blitz down there,” Kings managing director Matthew Denholm told The Canberra Times.

“We're definitely aware that there's interest in a Canberra NBL team, but just like the GWS Giants have managed to have a secondary AFL fanbase down there, it'd be great that while there's not a Canberra NBL team, we want to put basketball in front of those fans.”

The Kings, who lost their opening Ignite Cup clash on Wednesday to Melbourne by 14 points, have strong ties to Canberra, with current wing Bul Kuol and former forward Alex Toohey, who just penned an NBA two-way deal with the Golden State Warriors, both calling the Nation’s Capital home.

"I know the boys are eager to get back down [to Canberra]. It feels nice to be home and inspire the next generation of athletes," Kuol said to The Canberra Times after the Blitz.

The Round 13 Ignite Cup fixture will tip-off at 7.30pm, live on ESPN.

Read the full story here >> Six-year wait for AIS Arena event over after 'exploding' Canberra fans sell out venue