The off-season is in full swing, with teams busy recruiting and preparing for the 2026-27 campaign, and the NBL has now confirmed the next destination for its pre-season Blitz tournament.
Watch every game of the 2026 NBA Conference Finals LIVE with ESPN on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1 >
The NBL has officially announced Bendigo will host the 2026 NBL Blitz, with all 10 teams set to take part in the pre-season tournament ahead of the NBL27 campaign.
The five-day event will run from September 2-6 at Red Energy Arena in regional Victoria, giving fans the opportunity to see every club in action before the regular season tips off.
This is the first time Bendigo has hosted the Blitz since 2018 that saw the Adelaide 36ers win the tournament.
NBL Group CEO David Stevenson said bringing the Blitz to Bendigo reflects the league’s ongoing push to connect with basketball fans across Australia and New Zealand, particularly in regional communities.
“We’re grateful to the Victorian Government and Visit Victoria for their continued support of the NBL and their commitment to bringing major sporting events to regional communities,” Stevenson said.
“The NBL has fans in every corner of Australia and New Zealand, and taking our game to places like Bendigo allows us to connect with those communities in a way that’s really important to us.”
Basketball has continued to grow strongly across regional Victoria in recent years, with Melbourne United previously drawing sell-out crowds in Bendigo. Stevenson believes the Blitz is another opportunity to showcase the league outside major metropolitan areas.
“The Blitz is a fantastic way to bring our 10 teams together, showcase the very best of the NBL, and give fans from regional Victoria the opportunity to see more elite basketball,” he said.
Victorian Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan welcomed the announcement, highlighting both the sporting and economic benefits the event is expected to bring to the region.
READ MORE: Knicks end 27-year NBA drought in epic sweep as playoff surrender exposes $210m dilemma
“I know how important basketball is to my hometown, and bringing the NBL Blitz to Bendigo is a huge win for the region,” Allan said.
“Not only will this inspire young basketballers, it will bring more visitors to Bendigo’s hotels, restaurants and cafes, boosting our visitor economy.”
The Blitz has become one of the key lead-in events on the NBL calendar, allowing clubs to finalise preparations for the new season while fans get an early look at revamped rosters, new imports and emerging talent.
Alongside the on-court action, the event will also include community initiatives such as basketball clinics, school visits and fan engagement activities designed to inspire the next generation of players.
Tickets for the event can be purchased here.
FULL SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, September 2
Cairns Taipans vs Perth Wildcats, 5:30pm AEST
Sydney Kings vs South East Melbourne Phoenix, 8:00pm AEST
Thursday, September 3
Brisbane Bullets vs Tasmania JackJumpers, 5:30pm AEST
Illawarra Hawks vs Adelaide 36ers, 8:00pm AEST
Friday, September 4
New Zealand Breakers vs Sydney Kings, 5:30pm AEST
Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United, 8:00pm AEST
Saturday, September 5
South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Brisbane Bullets, 5:30pm AEST
Adelaide 36ers vs Cairns Taipans, 8:00pm AEST
Sunday, September 6
Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks, 2:30pm AEST
Tasmania JackJumpers vs New Zealand Breakers, 5:00pm AEST