Basketball blitz: city to host all 10 NBL teams

ALL 10 National Basketball League clubs will be Bendigo-bound in September, after the city secured the rights to host the 2026 NBL Blitz pre-season tournament.

In what is being hailed as a major economic boost to the region and another proud chapter in Bendigo’s rich basketball history, the annual tournament will be staged at Red Energy Area from 2–6 September.

The NBL Blitz will feature 10 games over five days, with all 10 teams involved, including Melbourne-based pair Phoenix and United.

The announcement last week that Bendigo had won the rights to stage the tournament came four months after the city hosted Melbourne United and homegrown hero Dash Daniels for two packed games in January.

United will play a further two games in Bendigo in 2027.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards were joined for the announcement by NBL Group CEO David Stevenson, Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze, South East Melbourne Phoenix’s Angus Glover and Melbourne United’s Christian D’Angelo.

Allan lauded the Blitz as a chance for young basketballers in Bendigo to meet their heroes in their own backyard.

“I know how important basketball is to my hometown, and bringing the NBL Blitz to Bendigo is a huge win for the region,” she said.

“Not only will this inspire young basketballers, it will bring more visitors to Bendigo’s hotels, restaurants and cafes – boosting our visitor economy.”

Edwards added that fans flocked to see Melbourne United in January and expects they “will embrace the opportunity to see all 10 NBL teams in action”.

“It will be an incredible moment for our community,” she said.

The Blitz provides an opportunity for NBL teams to play multiple preseason games against one another ahead of the start of the regular season.

Perth Wildcats and Cairns Taipans will have the honour of opening the tournament.

Five-time Olympian and seven-time NBL MVP Gaze was thrilled to see the Blitz headed to his home state.

“As an old-timer now, to see the way in which the game is evolving and to see the opportunities that players have to compete at a high level at amazing facilities like this, here in Victoria, we are absolutely blessed,” the 60-year-old said.

“Whether it’s the north, the south, the east, the west, the entire state, people can come and marvel at the infrastructure that we have.

“When you think of the success of basketball, a lot of that starts right here (at grassroots level).

“With this tournament that we have here, it’s not just about inspiring the next Tess Madgen or Dash Daniels or Dyson Daniels, it’s about inspiring people just to play.

“At this community centre here, it goes beyond just elite-level basketball, which will be demonstrated in this tournament, but it’s also about locals being active, wanting to participate and play this great game.

“It’s extraordinary to see the opportunities that these superstar players have to play in, and (I know) we’re going to have a fantastic tournament here.”

The tournament is expected to provide huge economic spin-offs for the city’s hospitality and tourism industries.

“The NBL Blitz will showcase Bendigo as a must-see destination and give fans plenty of time to see what else the city and region have to offer,” Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements said.

The Blitz announcement comes as upgrades continue at Red Energy Arena, including two new indoor courts and the recently completed lighting for the outdoor netball courts.