What is the NBL in Australia?
The NBL, or National Basketball League, is Australia's professional men's basketball competition. Founded in 1979, it includes teams from across Australia and one from New Zealand.
The league began with ten teams in 1979 and grew rapidly in popularity during the 1980s and early 1990s, when basketball became a fashionable sport for young Australians. After a period of decline in the 2000s, it was revived and has grown again since the late 2010s.
Current clubs include the Perth Wildcats, Sydney Kings, Melbourne United, Brisbane Bullets, Adelaide 36ers, Illawarra Hawks, South East Melbourne Phoenix, Cairns Taipans, Tasmania JackJumpers and New Zealand Breakers.
Next Stars and NBA links
The NBL's Next Stars program, launched in 2018, lets young prospects play professionally in Australia before entering the NBA draft. Players such as LaMelo Ball and Josh Giddey used the NBL as a pathway to the NBA.
The Perth Wildcats are one of the league's most successful clubs, with ten championships.
The season runs from about September to March.
Games are known for loud crowds and entertainment, and the Tasmania JackJumpers, who joined in 2021, won the championship in only their third season. The NBL also hosts preseason games against NBA teams in the United States.
Did You Know?
The Women's National Basketball League, the WNBL, began in 1981.