South East Melbourne Phoenix Set New NBL Membership Record Ahead of NBL26 Season

South East Melbourne Phoenix have achieved a new club membership record early in the NBL26 season, underscoring the team’s continued commercial and community growth as it enters its seventh year in the competition.

The milestone marks the fourth consecutive season that the Phoenix have surpassed their previous membership tally.

While the club did not disclose exact membership figures (we dont know why), the record follows the NBL’s broader trend of rising fan engagement and attendance across its franchises.

Crediting the achievement to sustained loyalty among supporters and the club’s family-oriented positioning, South East Melbourne Phoenix CEO, Simon Derrick, said: “We have the best fans in the league and the fact that we’ve reached this mark is testament to our supporters’ devotion and belief in the team and what we’re building towards.” 

He added that the club’s traditional “Heartland” fan base in Melbourne’s south-east continues to anchor its growth, while interstate support has also expanded.

“We are fortunate to be part of such a strong basketball community, with great history and heritage, and we are excited to see more people joining alongside us. This milestone gives us all great confidence and momentum,” Derrick said.

The record arrives amid growing competition in Victoria’s basketball market, with multiple teams now investing heavily in community outreach, grassroots programs, and game-day activations to capture share in one of Australia’s most basketball-enthused regions.

The Phoenix’s strong off-court performance adds commercial weight to the club’s NBL26 campaign, particularly as the league continues to pursue higher audience engagement, broadcast value, and corporate partnership growth.

The club’s emphasis on family-friendly experiences and a diverse range of membership packages has helped broaden its appeal, while success in growing recurring memberships demonstrates improved fan retention, a key performance indicator for NBL franchises as they build long-term financial sustainability.

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