NBL26 Schedule: Your team's unmissable games

The NBL schedule has been released, and the countdown is on for the season to begin.

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While rosters are still being finalised, there are some big showdowns set for the upcoming season. Let’s take a look at some unmissable games for your team that you need to circle on your calendar.

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Round 4 vs Sydney Kings @ Home
October 11, 2025

The storylines write themselves in this early matchup between two teams that many have placed as early championship favourites, due to their busy off-seasons.

The Kings struck first in free agency, bolstering their back court with Matthew Dellavedova and Kendric Davis and sent shockwaves around the league. The 36ers answered emphatically, with the initial signature of five-time MVP Bryce Cotton, then Montrezl Harrell and finally Zylan Cheatham.

If that wasn’t enough to have eyes locked on this matchup, it will be Davis’ first game back in Adelaide and DJ Vasiljevic again trying to silence his former team.

Round 7 vs Cairns @ Home
October 30, 2025

The Sunshine Stoush had a little more venom added to it last season, when the Taipans came into Brisbane during the Summer Shootout and ran up the score on the Bullets’ home floor. It was a big enough score to win the competition and claim the cash for a Taipans team that finished bottom of the standings.

Now the Bullets welcome the Taipans once again and will be hoping to get one up on their interstate rival. Bullets big man Tyrell Harrison has had some of his biggest games against Cairns - could he be set for a career night once again?

Round 15 vs South East Melbourne @ Home
December 31, 2025

The Cairns Convention Centre has become a staple of entertainment on New Year’s Eve in the Far North in recent years and will continue that trend once again when they welcome the Phoenix to town.

Cairns has won two of their last three New Year’s Eve games at home and sent their fans into the following year on a high. The Taipans will go head-to-head with a Phoenix team doing all they can to slow down what is usually a highly offensive and dynamic team under Adam Forde.

Round 2 vs Tasmania @ Home
September 27, 2025

It doesn’t get much bigger than unveiling the ultimate glory in front of your loyal fans the following year - and that’s exactly what’s in store when Illawarra raise their championship banner in Round 2 against Tasmania.

It’s the final cherry on top of the celebrations that Illawarra has long enjoyed since their incredible win over Melbourne United last season. For Justin Tatum and his team, it’s a chance to enjoy that moment and then lock in to defend that throne.

Round 7 vs Sydney Kings @ Home
November 3, 2025

Melbourne Cup Eve has become a special night on United’s program and could reach new heights again when the Kings come to town this season. It will be the second meeting of these teams in NBL26, but the first time Matthew Dellavedova returns to John Cain Arena as the enemy.

The rivalry between two of the big city clubs has always been strong, and with a marquee slot before the public holiday in Melbourne, it will no doubt be an unmissable game for all.

Round 1 vs Brisbane @ Home
September 19, 2025

New team. New ownership. New direction. Old colours. The Breakers are heading “back to black” as they look to rebuild something special in New Zealand - and it all starts in Round 1, when they kickstart that journey with their loyal fans.

It’s the perfect chance to start this next chapter strong for the Breakers while also putting the rest of the league on notice that coming across to New Zealand is going to be a tough task for any opposition.

Round 17 vs Hawks
January 16, 2026

HoopsFest returns to Perth, and it’s a mouth-watering matchup between the reigning champions and the Wildcats in the marquee slot for the weekend. In recent history, it’s been all about Illawarra when these two teams have played- but with a new era beginning out west, what does this have in store?

HoopsFest will see incredible games across all four days in Perth, but this home game gives the Red Army the chance to show the rest of the country that they’re still the biggest and most ferocious fanbase around.

Round 22 vs Melbourne United
February 19, 2026

It’s the final game of the regular season, and it becomes even more exciting when it’s a Throwdown that could have everything to play for. Every season the NBL shows that it can come down to the last round, the last game, or even a single possession - which makes this final matchup big for so many reasons.

Last season it was the Phoenix who managed to get some revenge over United and prove that they’re up for the fight in the battle for Melbourne supremacy. With both teams slowly piecing together strong rosters on paper, what does NBL26 have in store when these two battle it out?

Round 14 vs Hawks
December 25, 2025

The Christmas Day Freeway Series gets another exciting instalment in Sydney when the Kings face the Hawks in this blockbuster. Adding to the spice that’s been brewing over the past few seasons is now the fact that the Hawks have proven to have the edge over their rivals recently - and the reigning champions will hope that continues here.

Round 1 vs Melbourne
September 18, 2025

It’s the season tip-off in Tasmania when the JackJumpers welcome Melbourne United - a rivalry that has been slowly building over recent years. While Tasmania has been United’s kryptonite for the last four seasons, they now have added incentive to keep that going with Milton Doyle joining the opposition for the upcoming season.

The Nest in Tasmania is one of the strongest home court venues in the league. Can they kickstart their season with a big win?