The Heat Is On: Ignite Cup to Gold Coast

The National Basketball League (NBL) has confirmed that the Final of the inaugural Hungry Jack’s NBL Ignite Cup, presented by Disney+, will be played on the Gold Coast, marking another milestone in the League’s connection with one of Australia’s premier sporting destinations.

The partnership with Experience Gold Coast and the Gold Coast City Council will bring the biggest night of the new in-season tournament to life in a city renowned for its world-class events and passion for sport.

The Ignite Cup features 20 new Wednesday night games played across the season, with all results counting towards the regular season ladder. The top two teams will advance to the Ignite Cup Final, where they’ll compete for $400,000 in prize money, the largest prize pool in NBL history, split between players (60%) and clubs (40%).

Vince Crivelli, NBL Chief Operating Officer & Head of Basketball Operations, said, "The Hungry Jack’s NBL Ignite Cup, presented by Disney+, will be an incredible celebration of basketball.

“It’s only fitting that all roads lead to the Gold Coast for the Final. 

“The city has become synonymous with major events and elite basketball, and we’re thrilled to showcase the culmination of this new in-season tournament here. 

“I want to sincerely thank Experience Gold Coast and Mayor Tom Tate for their support and enthusiasm. Their partnership is key to delivering an event that will capture the imagination of NBL fans across the country.”

“Gold Coast basketball is riding high and the Ignite Cup adds an exciting new layer to the season calendar,’’ said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.

“I applaud organisers, sponsors and officials for bringing this exciting format to our courts and look forward to being courtside for the final.’’

The announcement further cements the NBL’s strong ties to the Gold Coast. 

The NBL’s official pre-season tournament, The Blitz, has been successfully hosted on the Gold Coast in 2023 and 2024, attracting teams, fans, and media from across the country. 

The city is also home to two NBL1 clubs, the Gold Coast Rollers and the North Gold Coast Seahawks, both key contributors to the game’s development in Queensland.

Further details, including ticketing information and the full Final event program, will be announced in the coming weeks.