$485m arena could pave Newcastle's path back to NBL

25 Aug 2026

A proposed 12,000-seat arena in Broadmeadow could pave the way for the Newcastle Falcons' long-awaited return to the NBL.

By

NBL.com.au

Newcastle's potential return to the Hungry Jack's NBL is edging closer as a new 12,000-seat stadium gains momentum.

The NSW Government recently committed $14 million to fund a 12-month detailed design phase, and if full construction funding of more than $485 million is secured, local officials believe construction could start from 2029.

This proposed new arena will be located next to the northern end of McDonald Jones Stadium in Broadmeadow, home of the Newcastle Knights (NRL and NRLW) and Newcastle Jets (A-League and A-League Women).

A new arena, to replace the 4,500-seat Newcastle Entertainment Centre, would alleviate one of the main hurdles to the region regaining an NBL licence.

"The number one thing that stops Newcastle in its tracks right now is the lack of a venue," Executive Director, NBL Group, Larry Kestelman said in 2023.

"We will not go to a tired, old venue with limited seating and limited corporate facilities. For us, to put a team in where they don't have the right venue is an absolute no-go."

But the recent developments loom as a crucial step to changing all that.

"We congratulate the NSW Government on its commitment to delivering a world-class arena for Newcastle and the Hunter region," Kestelman said to CODE Sports.

"We are excited by the prospect of growing the NBL in the region, and as we assess the opportunity, we always consider three key factors: a strong and passionate participation/support base, a sustainable commercial environment for clubs and the League, and access to modern venues capable of delivering a premium experience for fans, players and partners.

"Projects like this are incredibly encouraging because they strengthen the foundations for basketball to thrive across all levels. Newcastle is a market with an incredible NBL history, and investments of this calibre only enhance the long-term opportunities for the city as we continue to assess future expansion across a number of markets."

Phil Gardner, CEO of Wests Group (the owners of the Knights), would love the Newcastle Falcons to return to the League and believes a proposed 12,000-seat arena would make a franchise viable.

"Our conversation with the government is that it will be built. I don't think they would be wasting $14 million," Gardner said to the Newcastle Herald.

"That's a fabulous thing, and with that comes a lot of opportunity.

"We had some discussions some time ago around basketball. Larry's done an incredible job with the basketball story in Australia. We were big supporters of the Falcons when they were here, and we attempted to maintain the franchise. We would certainly have some interest, and I think we have indicated that to Larry."

Wests Group first flagged an interest in reviving the Falcons in 2023.

Newcastle is not alone in expressing interest in securing an NBL licence, with both the Gold Coast and Canberra stating their desire to join the 10-team competition.