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Ingles' return to tip off Hungry Jack's NBL27 Season
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Australian hoops icon Joe Ingles will end a 17-year NBL hiatus when Melbourne United host Adelaide in the League’s opening game of the 2026-27 season.
By
NBL.com.au
The last time Joe Ingles stepped on an NBL court was March 13, 2009, when he was helping the South Dragons win the championship.
But that hiatus, due to his NBA and European career, will come to an end on Saturday, September 19, at John Cain Arena.
On that day, his new club, Melbourne United, will host Ingles’ hometown Adelaide 36ers in the opening fixture of the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season.
"From a basketball perspective, this opportunity really excited me," Ingles told AAP recently.
"I still love competing, I still love the game, and I believe I can genuinely help this group win.
"I've always loved playing in team-first environments built on toughness, connection and doing the little things well, and I think Melbourne United represents all of that.
"At this stage of my career, it's not about individual achievements. It's about impact, leadership, helping a group come together and chasing something meaningful."
>> FULL SCHEDULE | SYNC YOUR CALENDAR
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic medallist, who appeared in 810 NBA matches during his career, currently has 102 NBL games to his name across three seasons with the Dragons.
This United versus 36ers fixture tips off an exciting opening two rounds of the season, which will see 13 games played across nine days.
The full schedule, including game times, venues and broadcast details, is available now via the NBL App.
Fans are encouraged to sync their favourite team’s schedule and stay across NBL channels for ticket information and further announcements as the countdown to September begins.
>> FULL SCHEDULE | SYNC YOUR CALENDAR | DOWNLOAD NBL27 SCHEDULE PDF
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