Adelaide 36ers Celebrate Record-Breaking NBL26 Campaign

The Adelaide 36ers’ NBL26 campaign has concluded as one of the most significant seasons in the club’s modern era, defined by a historic finals run, unprecedented fan engagement, and robust commercial growth.

While the season ended in a dramatic overtime heartbreak in Game 5 of the Championship Series against the Sydney Kings, the 36ers have solidified their position as a powerhouse of the National Basketball League (NBL).

The Championship Series itself became a landmark event for Australian basketball, setting a total attendance record of 70,269. The deciding game in Sydney was played before a record NBL crowd of 18,589 and became the most-watched game in league history across ESPN and Channel 10.

On-Court Excellence and Individual Honours

The 36ers’ deep postseason run, their first Championship Series appearance in eight years, was supported by elite individual performances.

The club’s leadership and talent were officially recognised at the league’s end-of-season awards:

• Most Valuable Player: Bryce Cotton secured a historic sixth MVP award and an All-NBL First Team selection.
• Most Improved Player: Flynn Cameron was honoured for his breakout season.
• All-NBL Second Team: Zylan Cheatham was recognised for his dominant frontcourt presence.
• Executive of the Year: CEO Nic Barbato was named the league’s top executive, reflecting the club’s off-court stability and growth.

A Commercial and Community Powerhouse

The “Sixers” established a new benchmark for domestic sporting loyalty in South Australia.

The club achieved 41 consecutive home sell-outs, filling the Adelaide Entertainment Centre for all 20 home fixtures. This demand translated into record-breaking metrics:

• Membership: Reached an all-time high of 8,619, representing a 23% year-on-year increase.
• Attendance: Total home attendance reached 199,705, averaging nearly 10,000 fans per game.
• Broadcast Reach: Audience numbers surged by 82% on ESPN and 145% on Channel 10, driven by a new media agreement that saw 16 games aired on free-to-air television.

Commercially, the club’s Sixers in Business program grew by 25%, providing strong ROI for a corporate network that continues to expand alongside the club’s national profile.

Impact Beyond the Court

The 36ers’ influence extended into the community through the Shooting Hoops Foundation, which launched four new programs focused on health, leadership, and cultural inclusion.

In total, the club engaged with more than 28,000 participants across 66 schools, with players contributing over 800 hours of direct community involvement.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.