Hungry Jack’s Rookie Round to celebrate grassroots basketball

The National Basketball League (NBL) will launch the 2025/26 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season with the introduction of Hungry Jack’s Rookie Round, a celebration of every basketballer's journey from grassroots to greatness. From the concrete courts to the hardwood floors, with sneakers squeaking, backboards creaking and sidelines roaring, this is a round that brings to life the game that is played loud.

Hungry Jack’s Rookie Round will unite the NBL, WNBL, Basketball Australia, State Federations and NBL Clubs in recognising the 1.2million participants who form the foundation of the sport in Australia. Junior players, families and volunteers will be celebrated through match week and match day activations across the country, shining a spotlight on the people and communities who power basketball at every level.

Fans will also have the chance to collect exclusive RookieRewards cards, with limited editions available at games and digital versions through the Rookie Rewards website. These cards connect fans to the heart of the celebration and offer a way to be part of the action both in stadiums and at home.

NBL Group CEO, David Stevenson, said Hungry Jack’s Rookie Round was designed to bridge the game’s pathways from grassroots to greatness, and showcase the energy of a new season.

“Basketball is the fastest growing sport in Australia, and Hungry Jack’s Rookie Round is about celebrating the people who make it what it is; the kids on local courts, the families on the sidelines, the volunteers who give their time, and the players who have risen from the grassroots to the elite stage,” Stevenson said.

“With Hungry Jack’s support, we’re starting the season with a moment that reflects the noise, colour and passion of basketball, while inspiring the next generation of players and fans. We thank them for their incredible support of the NBL and are so excited about the upcoming season.”

Hungry Jack’s CMO, Scott Baird, reinforced the brand’s commitment to Australian basketball.

“Hungry Jack’s is proud to strengthen our partnership with the NBL through the introduction of Hungry Jack’s Rookie Round, which recognises the important role grassroots basketball plays in shaping the future of the sport.” Baird said.

“Basketball continues to grow at an extraordinary pace across Australia, and Hungry Jack’s Rookie Round is a meaningful way to celebrate the players, families and communities who underpin that growth. We are committed to supporting the game at every level, and we look forward to seeing the energy and passion of basketball come to life throughout this exciting initiative.”

Hungry Jack’s Rookie Round evolves the traditional HungryJack’s Tip-Off Round into something bigger, louder and more connected. It’s a celebration of participation and enthusiasm, inspiring the NBL’s future stars and showcasing the journeys of NBL players who have risen from community clubs to the professional stage.

Download the NBL App now to access schedules, scores, highlights and more, and don’t miss a second of the action when the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season tip’s off, September 18.