NBL26 Season Preview – Dates, Ignite Cup, Hoopsfest & Contenders

Ryan Tucker

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Last updated: Fri 12 Sep 2025 11:49

Ryan Tucker 12 Sep 2025

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NBL26 starts Sept 18, with both NBL & WNBL seasons aligned.
New Ignite Cup brings midweek excitement & player cash prizes.
Big player moves & bold predictions: Adelaide & South East Melbourne tipped as top contenders.

NBL26 Preview

NBL 2025 Season Preview - Dates, Ignite Cup & Bold Predictions

The countdown is over, the NBL26 season tips off on September 18, with the Tasmania JackJumpers hosting Melbourne United at MyStateBank Arena. It promises to be the most anticipated season in years, packed with innovation, blockbuster fixtures and unpredictable contenders.

NBL 2025 Season Preview - Dates, Ignite Cup & Bold Predictions
Key Dates & Schedule
Ignite Cup - A New Concept
Hoopsfest & Themed Rounds
Contenders & Dark Horses
Storylines to Watch
Bold Predictions

Key Dates & Schedule

For the first time, the NBL and WNBL seasons are aligned, meaning fans can enjoy elite basketball almost every night of the week. The regular season concludes on February 20, before the finals series begins.

Holiday blockbusters return, including:

Christmas Eve: Adelaide v Cairns
Christmas Day: Sydney v Illawarra (the freeway series)
New Year’s Eve: Illawarra v Tassie and Cairns v South East Melbourne

Ignite Cup - A New Concept

Debuting in NBL26, the Ignite Cup brings a twist to the midweek schedule. Every Wednesday night game counts towards the tournament, with points awarded not only for wins but also for every quarter won.

The top two teams will meet in an Ignite Cup Final, with a $400,000 prize pool and 60% guaranteed to players. Expect more intensity late in games as teams chase every quarter.

Hoopsfest & Themed Rounds

Hoopsfest returns to Perth in January, blending hoops and street culture during the school holidays. The league also celebrates themed rounds including Pride, Indigenous and Heritage rounds.

Contenders & Dark Horses

Reigning champions Illawarra Hawks remain in the mix under Justin Tatum, while Melbourne United continue to set the standard with their winning pedigree.

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Adelaide made headlines signing Bryce Cotton from Perth to pair with Montrezl Harrell, a boom-or-bust gamble. The Tasmania JackJumpers have flipped their defensive identity with aggressive imports like Bryce Hamilton and Tiger Campbell, making them a dangerous wild card.

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South East Melbourne and Cairns also loom as challengers, while Brisbane’s late-season resurgence last year has them in the conversation.

Storylines to Watch

Bryce Cotton’s return to Perth in Adelaide colours.
Matthew Dellavedova lining up for Sydney against former club Melbourne United.
The clash between former best mates Montrezl Harrell (Adelaide) and Kendrick Davis (Sydney) after a fiery off-season.

Bold Predictions

Jez tips South East Melbourne for the championship with Nathan Sobey as MVP. Ryan goes the other way, picking Adelaide to finally break their bust reputation with Bryce Cotton leading the charge.