Basketball fans have plenty to look forward to including 11 home games for the UC Capitals at the AIS Arena. Photo: Jennifer Andrew.
Basketball in Canberra is definitely on the up, with major announcements relating to the men’s game seemingly taking place every couple of days.
In the past week the NBL announced that its pre-season tournament, the Blitz, featuring every men’s team in the league, would be held at the AIS Arena from 27 to 31 August.
In many ways the Blitz is a litmus test to determine whether there is support for an NBL team in Canberra.
On the same weekend at the Southern Cross Stadium in Tuggeranong, the NBL 1 National Finals will be staged, with 14 games from Friday through to Sunday. And the Canberra Gunners are very much in contention at this stage.
Then of course the cherry on the top was the drafting of Canberra’s Alex Toohey into the NBA in the second round of the draft by the Golden State Warriors.
He joins superstars Steph Curry and Draymond Green in the Warriors roster, coached by possibly one of the greatest in Steve Kerr.
Alex joins fellow Marist College graduate Patty Mills in being picked up in an NBA draft.
To suggest the sport is riding a wave at the moment is an understatement.
Basketball ACT CEO Nicole Bowles says: “We are very blessed and lucky to have the likes of Patty Mills and Alex Toohey come through our pathways, not just inspiring locals on the court, but being able to see all the talent from across the country come into one space and Canberra hosting it. I think it’s a great city to be able to hold such events.”
Basketball ACT CEO Nicole Bowles at the announcement of the NBL 1 finals being staged in Canberra. Photo: Brett McKay.
The NBL pre-season Blitz and the NBL 1 finals will see an influx of basketball royalty hit Canberra with school visits, promotions and the inevitable presence of NBA scouts.
That’s not to say the WNBL has been left behind, with the release of the 2025-26 draw featuring 11 home games for the Capitals at the AIS Arena.
The Capitals will start their season with an away game against the Southside Flyers on 18 October before returning to Canberra to play Townsville.
The UC Caps will play four Tuesday night games next season.
With a greater alignment between the NBL and the WNBL, already it would appear as though there is far more momentum heading into the start of the season.
The NBL1 National Finals will take place from 29 until 31 August at the Southern Cross Stadium, Tuggeranong. Tickets are available via Intix.
