NBL breaks broadcast, crowd records

Basketball is back with a bang, as the Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League (NBL) soared across all subscription and streaming platforms in a record-breaking opening round, with an added record of the most attendees in League history.

The seven games broadcast from Thursday to Sunday achieved more than 40% year-on-year increase in average audience on ESPN, via KAYO and Foxtel. 

“The demand and appetite for the NBL has never been higher and that is highlighted by these historic audience numbers for our opening round of games,” NBL CEO, David Stevenson, said.

“To be up more than 40 percent on last year shows the significant amount of awareness and traction we have generated, and the desire for elite basketball content in Australia and New Zealand.

“These numbers are tremendously encouraging, and when you consider the current growth trajectory of the League – there’s no doubting Basketball is one of the fastest growing sports.

“The competitiveness of the NBL has sky-rocketed, and the calibre of players has reached new heights. 

“Our Next Stars program has a record eight players all with genuine NBA draft potential, including Alexandre Sarr who could be the No.1 pick, and there are dozens of other players who also have chances of making it to the big-time.”

On top of setting a new viewership benchmark, the League also smashed its round one attendance record with almost 51,000 fans pouring through the gates.

“We welcomed an amazing 50,934 fans, eclipsing our previous best of 48,820 set in 2018/19,” Stevenson added.

“This is yet another significant moment in the NBL’s history and cements our League as one of the hottest tickets on the Australian and New Zealand summer sporting calendar.

“There is nothing like going to an NBL game and I want to thank our players, clubs and the fans for helping to create a truly unique and wonderful family-friendly experience.”

NBL fans can keep up with all the latest scores, news, and stats by downloading the NBL App. Click here to download.

The 2023/24 Hungry Jack’s NBL season continues on Thursday night with a double-header. The New Zealand Breakers host the Brisbane Bullets at Spark Arena at 5:30pm AEDT, followed by the Cairns Taipans facing the South East Melbourne Phoenix at the Cairns Convention Centre at 7:30pm AEDT. Both games will be broadcast live on ESPN via Kayo Sports and Sky Sport in New Zealand.