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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.<\/p>\n
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 ><\/a><\/b><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n This is the first time Bendigo has hosted the Blitz since 2018 that saw the Adelaide 36ers win the tournament. <\/p>\n NBL Group CEO David Stevenson said bringing the Blitz to Bendigo reflects the league\u2019s ongoing push to connect with basketball fans across Australia and New Zealand, particularly in regional communities.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re 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,\u201d Stevenson said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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\u2019s really important to us.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Knicks end 27-year NBA drought in epic sweep as playoff surrender exposes $210m dilemma<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n \u201cI know how important basketball is to my hometown, and bringing the NBL Blitz to Bendigo is a huge win for the region,\u201d Allan said.<\/p>\n \u201cNot only will this inspire young basketballers, it will bring more visitors to Bendigo\u2019s hotels, restaurants and cafes, boosting our visitor economy.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n