HoopsFest officially launched ahead of massive basketball celebration

The National Basketball League (NBL) and Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) officially launched HoopsFest Perth 2026 at RAC Arena on Wednesday, unveiling plans for a blockbuster celebration of basketball in Western Australia tipping off Thursday, January 15 to Sunday, January 18.

The launch brought together league leaders and star players from across both competitions, highlighting HoopsFest’s continued growth as a marquee event on Australia’s sporting calendar.

Those individuals included NBL Group CEO David Stevenson, WNBL CEO Jennie Sager, Sydney Kings star Kouat Noi, Brisbane Bullets youngster Alex Ducas, Bendigo Spirit's Isobel Borlase and Perth Lynx's Alex Ciabattoni.

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"Tickets have been selling incredibly fast and they are so accessible starting from only $12, which gives a great opportunity for families to come along and experience elite basketball and all of the culture that sits around there," Stevenson said.

"I'd like to thank the West Australian Government, Tourism WA, the City of Perth, Venues West, RAC Arena and Basketball WA who have all played an important role in bringing HoopsFest back to Perth and Western Australia.

"If you are looking for a great entertainment experience at an affordable price to see world class basketball, culture and entertainment, then come along to HoopsFest and we can't wait to see you there."

HoopsFest Perth 2026 will see all 10 NBL and all eight WNBL teams unite for an action-packed festival featuring elite matchups, fan experiences and community engagement, with Perth set to again become the home of Australian basketball for the event.

"On behalf of the WNBL I'd like to echo Dave's sentiments and thank the West Australian Government, Venues West, Tourism WA, the Perth Lynx and the Perth Wildcats for hosting us here this week," Sager said.

"We are actually kicking off HoopsFest this year with a very exciting match between the Perth Lynx and Bendigo Spirit which could be a sneak for one of our Semi Finals or Finals games and is a great opportunity to see the best of the WNBL.

"We have seen the Perth Lynx smash some attendance records and we guarantee you'll have a really exciting experience tomorrow night and also across all of the games this weekend."

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