It's Red Hot: Fans, stars rocking out to the NBL

Photo: Sydney Kings Media.

Basketball in Australia continues to grow at a rapid pace, with more fans watching the sport than ever before.

In particular, the NBL, through the first 19 rounds of the Hungry Jack’s season, has posted record viewership numbers, as well as attracting more sellout crowds than ever before.

One star keeping a keen eye on that growth is Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Michael “Flea” Balzary.

The rockstar was in attendance for Sydney’s Round 19 game with Illawarra and spoke positively about the sport during an interview on ESPN’s broadcast.

“I just love Australia. I was born in Melbourne, and now I love being in Sydney,” Balzary said on ESPN.

“I'm now developing a really nice new sincere love for the Sydney Kings.

“That point guard, number one, Kendric Davis, is an awesome basketball player.

“It's also nice to see Torrey Craig [here in Sydney]. I was watching him in the NBA last year.

“It's beautiful to see [so much talent here in Australia], because I’ve loved basketball my whole life.”

During the game, Balzary sat courtside next to the Kings co-owner and special advisor, Luc Longley.

“I've met him [Luc Longley] through the years and have always admired him very much,” Balzary said.

“He's a really important part of basketball history, with what he did [during his career].

“Being Australian, as I left when I was four years old, I always love seeing players [like Luc] come to America and be great players. It always gives me a patriotic feeling in my heart.”

Round 20 of the 2025-26 season tips off on Thursday with a double-header, live on ESPN.

New Zealand plays South East Melbourne first from 5.30pm AEDT before Illawarra takes on Adelaide at 7.30pm AEDT.