The NBA and Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL) announced Tuesday that the New Orleans Pelicans will play two preseason games in Melbourne this October, marking the first NBA games in Australia.
The Pelicans will face Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix at Melbourne Park on Oct. 3 and Oct. 5, 2025. The NBL will serve as the official promoter and organizer of the Melbourne Series.
Beyond the games, the NBA, NBL and Pelicans will host NBA Cares community outreach initiatives and lifestyle events, including a Fan Night on Oct. 4. The leagues also plan to expand their grassroots basketball development efforts across the Asia-Pacific region in the coming years.
The announcement was made in Melbourne by New Orleans Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin, NBL Executive Director & Owner Larry Kestelman, and NBA Asia Head of Strategy Rajah Chaudhry.
“We are honored to be part of this historic occasion for basketball in Australia,” Pelicans Governor Gayle Benson said. “This collaboration with the NBL and NBA provides an exceptional opportunity to engage with our global fanbase and share the rich spirit and culture of New Orleans with basketball fans in the region.”
The Pelicans’ roster features two-time NBA All-Star Zion Williamson, 2022 All-Star Dejounte Murray and 2015-16 NBA Most Improved Player CJ McCollum. Ticket sales for the games and surrounding events will be announced at a later date.
The NBA and NBL have collaborated since 2016, with seven NBL teams playing 24 preseason games in the U.S. The leagues also co-hosted Basketball Without Borders in Australia in 2016 and 2024. The NBL’s Next Stars program has produced nine NBA draftees, including LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey and 2024 No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr.
“This is an exciting moment for our organization and a testament to the growing global impact of the NBA,” Pelicans President Dennis Lauscha said. “Bringing the Pelicans and NBA to Australia for the first time is a proud milestone, and we are thrilled to be part of this unique opportunity to engage with fans in Melbourne.”
NBA games and programming are available in Australia via ESPN and NBA League Pass. Fans can find NBA merchandise at NBAStore.com.au.
