The Tasmania JackJumpers will begin their inaugural NBL season by hosting the league’s opening game against the Adelaide 36ers in Hobart, with officials pushing back the start date to optimise crowd attendance.
Key points:
- The New Zealand Breakers will again relocate to Australia to start the season before being expected to head home in the new year
- Highlights of the schedule include a Boxing Day triple-header with games across the country while Illawarra and Cairns will host games on New Year’s Eve
- Contingencies have been built into the schedule for when borders reopen, vaccination rates hit targets and crowds return
In a double-header opening night, the Perth Wildcats will face the Brisbane Bullets in Perth.
Originally set for November 18, this season’s launch has been rescheduled to Friday, December 3, with the NBL’s Commissioner, Jeremy Loeliger, saying the priority will be getting supporters back into stadiums.
“While it’s only a few weeks later than we originally planned, the new start date gives us a greater level of comfort and flexibility as we navigate through the current environment and prioritise having our growing number of fans courtside around the country and in New Zealand,” Loeliger said in a statement released today.
The New Zealand Breakers will again relocate to Australia to start the season before being expected to head home in the new year.
Melbourne will begin their championship defence on December 5 against the Sydney Kings, with Matthew Dellavedova making his NBL debut for United.
Other highlights of the schedule include a Boxing Day triple-header with games in Sydney, Brisbane and Tasmania while Illawarra and Cairns will host games on New Year’s Eve.
Loeliger says the NBL has contingencies built into its schedule for when borders reopen, vaccination rates hit targets, and crowds are allowed back in arenas.
