NBA teams to play in Australia for the first time

Just days after the Victorian government secured three NFL games for Melbourne from 2026, the NBA has now reportedly agreed to send a team to play in the city later this year.

NBA officials have yet to announce the deal but ESPN reports Melbourne is set to host the two games in October, 2025, between an NBA team and a side from the NBL.

The NBL has met with NBA commissioner Adam Silver over the past two years with the deal said to be just for 2025, however, the Victorian government is hoping to expand the agreement over the coming years.

Advertisement

READ MORE: Smith breaks Ponting record in dominant Aussie day

READ MORE: Ugly legal fight after Melbourne Cup money goes missing

READ MORE: NRL star’s powerful message as two deaths devastate AFL

It’s understood the NBL might put together a select team to take part in the series or it would most likely fall to Melbourne United or the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Aussies Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels battle on court. Getty

A decision on which NBA team will make the trek has not been made yet.

It would mark the first time an NBA team has played games in Australia.

Reports state the Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets are on the shortlist for the series.

The NBA has a desire to bring an NBA team with an Australian on its roster.

The league has already played regular-season matches in Tokyo, Mexico and London.

Fans are set to embrace the series after more than 50,000 packed Marvel Stadium for a Boomers-Team USA clash in 2019.

It comes after Melbourne beat bids from Sydney and Perth to secure the rights for the first regular-season NFL game to be held in Australia.

The NFL on Thursday morning confirmed the game will be held at the MCG in 2026 and feature the Los Angeles Rams

This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.