NBAxNBL Melbourne Series Sells Out, Highlighting Australian Basketball’s Commercial Strength

The NBAxNBL Melbourne Series, featuring the New Orleans Pelicans, Melbourne United, and South East Melbourne Phoenix, has officially sold out following high demand from Australian and international fans.

This rapid sell-out of the four-day basketball showcase, scheduled from October 2 to 5 at Rod Laver Arena, serves as a significant commercial indicator for the growing appetite for basketball in Australia and the NBL’s increasing capacity to host high-profile international fixtures.

The event covers two games at Rod Laver Arena, an exclusive New Orleans Pelicans open training session, and a Fan Night experience.

Underscoring the commercial success of the series as a joint venture, benefiting from both the NBA’s global brand and the NBL’s local market penetration, and commenting on the swift sell-out, NBL CEO, David Stevenson, said: “To have all game tickets sold out so quickly is a testament to the passion and appetite for NBA and NBL in this country.”

“This is a momentous occasion in Australian sport, and we can’t wait to bring this series to life alongside the NBA, the New Orleans Pelicans, and Visit Victoria,” Stevenson’s remarks.

The economic implications of this sell-out are substantial for Melbourne and Victoria.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos added: “Two sell-out NBA games in Melbourne is a huge win for our local economy, with basketball fans flocking here to not only witness the incredible on-court action, but also experience our world-class cafes, restaurants and hotels.”

“In addition to the crowds watching in person, our city will be beamed to a massive global audience, providing fantastic exposure for Victoria and showcasing what makes us ‘Every bit different’,” Dimopoulos said.

This positions major sporting events as key drivers for tourism and economic activity, providing both direct revenue from attendees and broader destination marketing opportunities.

More than 51,000 fans pre-registered for early access to tickets, with all allocations for the games fully exhausted.

This strong demand demonstrates the market viability of bringing NBA teams to Australia, leveraging the appeal of the global league alongside the established local NBL franchises.

While game tickets are exhausted, fans can still secure entry to the New Orleans Pelicans Open Training and the NBAxNBL Melbourne Series Fan Night, with limited tickets remaining for these auxiliary experiences.

Additionally, limited corporate hospitality packages may be made available, indicating a strategic effort to maximise revenue streams beyond general admission sales. Fans still hoping to attend the games are advised to monitor NBL channels and Ticketek for potential additional ticket releases, reflecting ongoing market management.

The success of the NBAxNBL Melbourne Series reinforces Australia’s position as a profitable market for international basketball events. 

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