NBL Launches a New In-Season Tournament, Ignite Cup

The Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League (NBL) is set to introduce the Ignite Cup, an in-season tournament designed to introduce an additional competitive element and enhance fan engagement during the regular season.

This initiative will add 21 extra games to the existing schedule, with matches predominantly played on Wednesday nights, commencing from October 8. The move represents a strategic effort to generate increased interest and commercial value during midweek slots.

Emphasising the strategic importance of the new competition, NBL CEO, David Stevenson, said: “This marks a huge new chapter for the Hungry Jack’s NBL. We’re building something that adds more competitive fire throughout the season, creates more blockbuster games, and brings fresh energy for our fans every single Wednesday night.”

“It’s high-stakes hoops – and we think fans are going to love it,” Stevenson said.

Given the NBL’s reported 55 sell-out games last season, the Ignite Cup provides additional premium content and more opportunities for fans to attend games

Sydney Kings coach, Brian Goorjian, added: “Our club is excited about the Ignite Cup and the prospect of playing more games.”

“We’re all competitors, so the fact that we get an extra four games this season, as well as the chance to win another trophy for our fans, is great and something we’re all excited to be involved in,” he said.

A key aspect of the Ignite Cup is its integrated format: while the tournament games contribute to the regular season standings, a separate quarter-by-quarter scoring system will manage a dedicated Ignite Cup ladder.

This innovative approach aims to ensure that every possession carries significance.

The tournament culminates in a standalone Ignite Cup Final, strategically scheduled outside the regular season fixtures. This final will feature a total prize pool of $400,000, with the winning team securing $300,000 and the runner-up receiving $100,000.

Notably, 60% of this prize money will be distributed directly to the players, a significant incentive designed to reward on-court performance and enhance player earnings, while the remaining 40% will benefit the clubs.

The yet-to-be-disclosed location for the Ignite Cup Final and the promise of a fresh visual presentation indicate further efforts to elevate the tournament’s spectacle and commercial appeal.

The Ignite Cup represents a boost for the NBL, aiming to drive fan interest and unlock new commercial opportunities within Australian basketball.

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