Puttin' on the Blitz: NBL back in nation's capital

• Canberra to host 2025 NBL Blitz pre-season tournament at AIS Arena between August 27-31
• All 10 NBL teams will compete in five days of double-headers ahead of NBL26 season
• Hoops heaven: 165 NBL games games in 155 days
• Bryce Cotton back in Perth for HoopsFest 2026
• Ignite Cup: NBL launches in-season tournament

Canberra is blitzing it. Australia's capital has been awarded the 2025 Blitz pre-season NBL tournament at the renovated AIS Arena between August 27 to 31 2025.

All 10 NBL teams will be there in a five-day basketball showcase as the NBL returns to nation's capital, which has deep basketball roots as the former home of the Canberra Cannons, who claimed three NBL championships in 1983, 1984, and 1988.

NBL Chief Operations Officer and Head of Basketball Operations Vince Crivelli said: "Bringing the Blitz to Canberra is the highlight of our pre-season calendar.

"We are incredibly grateful for the strong support from the ACT Government, our clubs, and AIS Arena for making this event possible."

The tournament structure features nightly double-headers, giving fans multiple opportunities to see their favourite teams and players in action as they prepare for the upcoming NBL26 season.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said: "The recently refurbished AIS Arena is set to host five nights of incredible basketball talent with double-headers each evening.

"Basketball has a strong and long-standing following in the ACT, and the Blitz gives Canberrans, and visitors, the chance to see some of the best talent in the country up close."

NBL Group CEO David Stevenson said: "This event isn't just about elite basketball; it's also a wonderful opportunity for community engagement and to foster the NBL stars of the future, and we encourage everyone to get involved," Stevenson said.

The tournament schedule showcases compelling matchups each night, beginning on August 27 with the Perth Wildcats facing Melbourne United, followed by the Adelaide 36ers taking on the Illawarra Hawks.

Day two features the Brisbane Bullets against the Sydney Kings and the Cairns Taipans versus the defending champions Tasmania JackJumpers. The schedule continues through the weekend with the final day on Sunday, August 31, concluding with the New Zealand Breakers against the Cairns Taipans.

For Australian basketball fans, the tournament offers a unique opportunity to see all NBL teams competing in one location over a concentrated period. The Blitz has traditionally served as the final preparation for teams before the regular season begins, often providing insights into how teams might perform in the upcoming season.

Wednesday, August 27:

• Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United
• Adelaide 36ers vs Illawarra Hawks

Thursday, August 28:

• Brisbane Bullets vs Sydney Kings
• Cairns Taipans vs Tasmania JackJumpers

Friday, August 29:

• South East Melbourne Phoenix vs New Zealand Breakers
• Illawarra Hawks vs Perth Wildcats

Saturday, August 30:

• Melbourne United vs Brisbane Bullets
• Tasmania JackJumpers vs Adelaide 36ers

Sunday, August 31:

• Sydney Kings vs South East Melbourne Phoenix
• New Zealand Breakers vs Cairns Taipans