Bendigo to Host All 10 NBL Teams for 2026 Pre-Season Tournament

Bendigo has secured hosting rights for the 2026 NBL Blitz pre-season tournament, bringing all 10 National Basketball League teams to the regional Victorian city from September 2-6, 2026.

Tournament Details

Red Energy Area will host 10 games across five days during the tournament. All NBL clubs will participate, including Melbourne-based teams Phoenix and United.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced the hosting rights alongside NBL Group CEO David Stevenson, Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards, and basketball personalities including Andrew Gaze, South East Melbourne Phoenix’s Angus Glover, and Melbourne United’s Christian D’Angelo.

Building on Recent Success

The announcement follows Bendigo’s successful hosting of Melbourne United games in January 2026. Player Dash Daniels and United drew packed crowds for two games at the venue.

Melbourne United has committed to playing two additional games in Bendigo during 2027, establishing the city as a regular fixture in the league’s regional scheduling.

Timeline and Preparation

Bendigo secured the tournament rights four months after hosting the January 2026 Melbourne United games.

The September 2026 tournament date provides the city with approximately 18 months to prepare for hosting all 10 NBL teams.

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