In an exciting announcement for basketball fans across Australia, the New Orleans Pelicans will play two preseason NBA games against NBL teams in Melbourne this October.
NBL pre-season games:
- Game 1: Melbourne United vs. New Orleans Pelicans
- Friday 3 October at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
- Game 2: South East Melbourne Phoenix vs. New Orleans Pelicans
- Sunday 5 October at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
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This historic event will take place at Melbourne Park, with fans eager to see NBA stars like Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, and CJ McCollum in action on Australian soil. The games are part of a larger collaboration between the NBA, NBL, and Visit Victoria.
In addition to the games, a series of community-focused events and outreach initiatives will take place, including NBA Cares programs and a special Fan Night on 4 October. Fans will have the opportunity to interact with players and enjoy a week of exciting activities leading up to the games.
“This is an exciting moment for our organization and a testament to the growing global impact of the NBA,” says New Orleans Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin. “Bringing the Pelicans and NBA to Australia for the first time is a proud milestone, and we are thrilled to be part of this unique opportunity to engage with fans in Melbourne. We look forward to competing against two outstanding NBL teams and creating unforgettable memories for our fans. This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a lasting connection between the Pelicans and the basketball community in Australia.”
The Pelicans’ visit is part of a broader effort by the NBA and NBL to expand basketball’s reach in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Over the years, the two leagues have worked closely together, with several NBL teams travelling to the U.S. for preseason games against NBA teams. There’s also been a focus on grassroots development, with programs like Basketball Without Borders aiming to foster the next generation of basketball stars.
NBL Executive Director Larry Kestelman added, “The significance of this announcement for basketball in Australia and the NBL can’t be overstated. Hosting an NBA team in Australia has been a long-held dream for everyone at the NBL, and to see this initiative finally come to fruition after a 15-year journey shows that much can be accomplished when you ‘Dream Big’. I want to thank Adam Silver, Mark Tatum, Michael Ma and the team at the NBA for being open to this amazing vision and for their continued support of our League.”
For more details and to register for presale tickets, visit the official NBA website.
Tickets for the games and surrounding events will be available soon, but fans can already register their interest for presale information. Don’t miss your chance to witness NBA history in Melbourne this October!
