Country, culture & community at heart of Indigenous Round

Indigenous Round tips off in Round 10, from November 19-22, celebrating First Nations and Māori culture, players and communities across the League.

More than a celebration of basketball, Indigenous Round is an opportunity for fans to recognise the deep cultures, stories and contributions of First Nations and Māori people.

This season, a record seven First Nations players are competing across the League, alongside seven Māori players, while Kerry Williams and Joel Khalu are contributing as assistant coaches.

The NBL’s three-year partnership with the IBA All-Stars has played an important role in strengthening pathways and creating more opportunities for First Nations talent to thrive in the game.

Culture will be proudly showcased on court, with every club wearing a specially designed jersey created by a First Nations or Māori artist.

>> NBL27 Indigenous Round jerseys revealed

Wiradjuri, Wotjobaluk, Yuin and Gumbaynggirr artist Luke Penrith’s Flowing Unity: The Heartbeat of Basketball will also feature on referees’ tops and the official NBL game ball as the NBL Indigenous Artwork.

NBL27 marks Luke’s third and final season as the League’s featured artist, providing an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution his artwork has made to the game. Expressions of interest for the next NBL featured artist are now open.

In Sydney, Marranunggu rapper Yung Milla, who made history this year as the first rapper to win The Voice Australia, will perform at the Sydney Kings’ Indigenous Round game on Sunday, 15 November.

Across the Tasman, fans in Aotearoa will experience a range of cultural celebrations, including a karanga (call to the court) and a haka.

“Indigenous Round is one of the most important moments on the NBL and WNBL calendar, bringing fans, players and communities together to celebrate the rich cultures and stories that make our game what it is,” NBL Group CEO David Stevenson said.

“It’s also an opportunity to recognise the historic and growing contribution of First Nations and Māori people to basketball, from the players and coaches on court to the artists and communities who continue to shape our game.

“I’d like to sincerely thank Kirby Bentley for her wonderful artistic contribution to the storytelling of the WNBL Indigenous Round.

“I also want to personally thank Luke Penrith, whose artwork has been a part of the NBL for the past three seasons. It’s been a privilege to see his work celebrated on our courts, and I’m truly grateful for everything he has given to the NBL.”

The Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season is in full swing. Visit the NBL website to stay across all the action, with every game live on ESPN and Saturday games on the Nine Network.