BREAKING: Taipans' million-dollar man signs on for NBL27

The Cairns Taipans confirmed on Thursday night that both the club and star forward Jack McVeigh have exercised the mutual option in his contract, locking him in for another season.

The Paris 2024 Olympian first joined the Taipans on a two-year deal ahead of the NBL26 season, following a season in the NBA with the Houston Rockets and G League affiliate Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

McVeigh is thrilled to extend his time in Far North Queensland and help make the Taipans a force once again.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be back next season,” McVeigh said in a club statement.

“Every day I’m grateful I get to play basketball. I love coming out here and competing against the best and playing the game. That’s what I’ve wanted to do my whole life.

“I’m grateful for how welcome my young family and I have been. Cairns quickly felt like home, and I can’t see myself leaving. The fans, the coaching staff, my teammates, the front office … everyone has made the experience special.

“Every game is another step forward, whether it’s for me individually as a player or collectively as a club. We’re trying to build for the future.”

Jack McVeigh is a $364,700 forward in the NBL’s official fantasy game, Beat The Coach, presented by Choice Hotels. Take on Damon Lowery and Beat the Coach in any round of the NBL26 Season and you’ll receive an entry into the end-of-season $10,000 prize draw, including $5,000 cash and $5,000 in Choice Hotels™ gift vouchers. Sign up to play now here.

Taipans CEO Mark Beecroft said he was thrilled to welcome back the 29-year-old for the 2026-27 campaign.

“Jack has been exceptional both on and off the court for us this season. His character is second to none,” Beecroft said.

“His experience and professionalism set the standard, and on court, he lifts everyone around him. He’s the ultimate competitor, and we’re excited to build a team around him.”

In his first season in Cairns, McVeigh has been the Taipans’ marquee man, leading the club in scoring (21.7 points per game) and rebounding (6.2 rebounds), while also ranking among the team’s top distributors (4 assists per game).

The Taipans host Melbourne on Thursday night from 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.