Return of the Australian Boomers to Hobart a Major Success

The Australian Boomers’ return to Hobart after a 20-year absence has proven to be a major commercial success, establishing Tasmania as a viable and enthusiastic host market for major international basketball events.

The sold-out FIBA World Cup 2027, Asian Qualifiers clash against New Zealand on November 28, combined with an extensive week-long community and industry engagement program, delivered returns for important commercial partners and the Tasmanian Government.

Confirming the impact, general manager – marketing & events, Nicole Thompson, said: “It was really important to us to be able to promote and showcase basketball as whole throughout our time in Hobart… The engagement with the community across all of the activities that were run will leave a lasting impact.”

The immediate financial success was underlined by the swift sale of all 4,137 tickets for MyState Bank Arena.

Confirming the economic strategic win for the State, Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Jane Howlett, added: “The fact tickets to this international match sold out proves Tasmanians love our sport, and we love basketball.”

“We look forward to the Boomers returning again, and the boost games like these bring to our tourism and hospitality sectors, while strengthening our reputation as a world-class host for major events,” Minister Howlett said.

Basketball Australia’s strategy was focused on building long-term value, not just staging a single game.

The organisation implemented a comprehensive engagement program, including a coaches clinic, officials workshop (which used freshly accredited local specialists), and the She Hoops initiative to encourage women’s participation.

The Tasmanian Government’s financial support was important in making the event possible, while key commercial entities like the Ford Dealership Network, a Major Partner of Basketball Australia, received valuable local activation.

Australian Boomers players engaged directly with the Ford organisation’s local dealer, Tilford Ford, who supplied essential event transport, providing an authentic and recognisable return on their sponsorship honour.

The week-long presence and deep engagement across the basketball ecosystem, culminating in four clinics, four community visits, and a massive game, successfully demonstrated to Basketball Australia, TEG Sport, and FIBA that Tasmania offers both high-demand fan base and strong administrative capacity.

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