NBL membership boom: Sold-out stadiums and waitlists signal basketball’s rise in Australia

Fans are lining up to be part of a surging Australian domestic competition that has found its place in a loaded sporting landscape over spring and summer.

With NBL26 fast approaching, CODE Sports cast its eye over the membership and corporate packages for all 10 clubs.

From Hollywood court-side seats through to affordable family memberships and packages for the new Wednesday night mid-season tournament, there are plenty of options for fans to consider.

SYDNEY KINGS

Sydney has set a benchmark for game-day atmosphere that rivals the bright lights you’d experience in the NBA. The Kings regularly pack out Qudos Bank Arena (18,200 capacity) and the vibe in the building is always pumping.

Sydney provide members with an array of spectator options depending on how much money who want to spend.

You can pay $512 to attend all 16 home games in a decent seat or you can go big and purchase a front-row seat but it will set you back a league-high $750 a game.

The Kings have also announced cheap early bid tickets to all 15 of the club’s home fixtures (excluding its December 17 Ignite Cup clash against Adelaide) for just $20 for adults and $45 for families.

ADELAIDE 36ERS

Adelaide sold out every home game last season and you can expect it to happen again in NBL26 based on the Sixers’ star-studded roster.

The arrival of five-time league MVP Bryce Cotton to join the likes of Dejan Vasiljevic and ex-NBA star Montrezl Harrell will make the Sixers box office viewing.

It’s why Adelaide fans are cuing up to secure their seats for an NBL26 campaign that has supporters daring to dream of a championship.

While there is a waitlist for full season reserved memberships, there are still opportunities to purchase game tickets.

Sadly, the Adelaide Entertainment Centre only has a capacity of 9600. Attention South Australian government: it’s time to stump up the cash for a bigger basketball stadium.

MELBOURNE UNITED 

Much like Sydney and Perth, Melbourne United are industry leaders when it comes to providing an epic game-day atmosphere.

It’s why interest is booming again leading into NBL26, with premium, gold, silver and bronze memberships all sold out.

Gen Reserve memberships – starting from $150 remain available, as are five and three-game packages.

PERTH WILDCATS

Perth is experiencing a new era post Bryce Cotton, so the club faces a challenging period when it comes to attracting new members to an already league leading 12,000 strong base.

All membership packages remain available ahead of NBL26, starting with Flexi game options right up to premium captains club seating.

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX

South East Melbourne’s membership base continues to grow and you can expect it to take another step in NBL26.

All Phoenix membership packages are available heading into the season as the club looks to build on its current 4,381 base, which is up 32.1 per cent YOY.

South East Melbourne also provide special deals for junior Victorian basketballers, including a four-game membership from $50.

ILLAWARRA HAWKS

Interest is naturally surging in the Illawarra Hawks following the club’s charge to last season’s championship.

All Diamond category memberships are sold out, but the remaining packages are available for purchase.

Much like the Adelaide 36ers, Illawarra also deserves a bigger stadium than the current 6000 capacity at the Wollongong Entertainment Centre.

CAIRNS TAIPANS

Expect membership interest in the new-look Cairns Taipans to surge following one of the best off-season recruitment drives in the club’s history.

The Snakes are poised to climb up the ladder this season after signing NBL champion and Olympian Jack McVeigh, rising Aussie sharpshooter Reyne Smith and former Washington and Orlando NBA forward Admiral Schofield.

Cairns have a range of affordable membership packages for the team’s 14 home games, while they’ve also provided reduced early bird options. In addition, the club is selling Ignite Cup mid-season match packages.

BRISBANE BULLETS

Brisbane is hoping a bright era under new coach Stu Lash and key signings like Jaylen Adams and Australian NBA champion Alex Ducas can translate to increased membership interest.

All season membership options remain on sale, however the four seat corporate box option is sold out.

Depending on your finances, your best bet for a season membership is the bronze from $385.

NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS

Support for the Breakers in New Zealand continues to grow and affordable membership packages will help with the club’s continued rise.

Prices starting from $375 for season tickets is achievable for young families keen to soak up the epic game day atmosphere at Spark Arena in Auckland.

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS

The rise of Tasmania is one of the great success stories in Australian sport for an expansion franchise. In just five years, the JackJumpers have captured the imagination of the locals in the Apple Isle. This interest peaked when Tassie won the NBL24 championship, but expect another surge this season with title-winning star Will Magnay re-signing and the club luring ex-Bullet Josh Bannan.

The 4800 capacity of My State Bank Arena limits Tasmania, but all membership packages are still available outside of the sold out 12 game courtside seat membership.