HoopsFest Returns to Perth

The ultimate celebration of basketball heads back to Western Australia in January, with HoopsFest confirmed for Perth for a second straight year.

The ultimate fusion of sport, culture, music and entertainment, HoopsFest will once again take over the state – this time in January, 2026 from the 15th until the 18th. Significantly, all the action will take place during the regular season for both the NBL and WNBL competitions, meaning blockbuster matchups across four unforgettable days.

“We are delighted to be heading back to Perth for HoopsFest, after what was an incredible experience last year,” NBL CEO David Stevenson said.

“The shift to the January school holiday period is a great result for basketball fans all around the country, and for those wanting to experience the best of basketball and all it has to offer, then HoopsFest is not to be missed. This year, we're particularly excited to host the first ever joint round of NBL and WNBL regular season matches, making it an even more historic event for our sport. We want to thank the Western Australian Government, Tourism WA and VenuesWest for their continued support and partnership – it’s because of them that we’re able to bring this unique and growing celebration of basketball to life. We also want to thank all our clubs for their participation not only through their involvement in the games, but also the community events and fan initiatives."

"HoopsFest is a vibrant celebration of everything we love about basketball - the perfect chance for everyone to experience the game, whether you're a longtime fan or attending for the first time,” WNBL CEO Jennie Sager said.

“Women's basketball is thriving like never before, both here in Australia and globally, and the WNBL offers a rare opportunity to see Olympians, WNBA champions, and Australia's top talent all on one court.”

Returning after a successful first event, HoopsFest Perth will once again feature fan activities like Sneakerland, along with a huge lineup of food, music, entertainment, and community engagement.

New in 2026, the HoopsFest Cup will bring together open-age men's and women's players from around Australia for a four-day basketball tournament with prize money, giving them the unprecedented chance to become part of the HoopsFest action. Entry to the tournament will be open to all.

"With the success of last year’s inaugural HoopsFest, it’s great that Perth’s secured Australia’s biggest basketball festival once again to delight fans in venues across the city,” WA Tourism Minister, the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA said.

“Western Australia has a long, proud and successful basketball history with the Perth Wildcats and Perth Lynx, so we're very excited to see this event return. It's yet another opportunity to showcase our world-class sporting facilities and spotlight Western Australia as an incredible tourism destination, and host of major events.”

The NBL & WNBL games featuring as part of HoopsFest Perth are:

• Thursday 15th Jan: ​Perth Lynx vs Bendigo Spirit (WNBL)
​​​Sydney Kings vs Brisbane Bullets (NBL)

• Friday 16th Jan: ​Geelong United vs Sydney Flames (WNBL) 
​​Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks (NBL)
 

• Saturday 17th Jan: ​Southside Flyers vs Adelaide Lightning (WNBL)
Cairns Taipans vs New Zealand Breakers (NBL)
Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers (NBL)

• Sunday 18th Jan: ​Adelaide 36ers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix (NBL)
Townsville Fire vs Canberra Capitals (WNBL)

Fans are encouraged to register their interest now at hoopsfest.com.au and be the first to know all the details and reserve their tickets.

HoopsFest Perth 2026 is delivered in partnership with the Western Australian Government through Tourism WA, the NBL, and WNBL.

Mark your calendars. Perth is set to host the biggest basketball event in the southern hemisphere - and it’s only getting bigger