Melbourne will host two historic NBA games at Melbourne Park later this year.
The New Orleans Pelicans will square off against Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix in preseason NBA games on October 3 and 5– just days after the AFL Grand Final at the MCG.
The Pelicans, who feature two-time NBA All-Star Zion Williamson, NBA All-Star Dejounte Murray and former NBA Most Improved Player CJ McCollum, will be the first NBA team to play on Australian soil, with the games expected to attract visitors from interstate and overseas.
“This is a historic moment – Australians love basketball and we’re bringing the very best league to Australian soil for the first time – giving fans and families a once-in-a-lifetime experience, right here in Melbourne,” said Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos in announcing the games.
“The NBA has surged in popularity in Australia in recent years, and it’s going to be a great opportunity for basketball fans to see the stars of the game up close, providing a major boost for our tourism economy in the process.”
Visit Victoria chief executive Brendan McClements said the games would serve as a great advertisement for the state.
“The best of Victoria will be on display to the NBA’s global fanbase, showcasing our state to audiences around the world and encouraging thousands more visitors to see what makes us ‘every bit different.’”
