November tip-off confirmed for NBL season

The National Basketball League (NBL) has announced the highly anticipated 2021/22 Hungry Jack’s NBL season will commence on Thursday, November 18.

The competition is riding a wave of unprecedented momentum following a history-making, multi-million-dollar broadcast deal and a significant uplift in interest and anticipation off the back of the Australian Boomers’ bronze medal win at the Tokyo Olympics.

Illawarra Hawks President and Co-owner, Dorry Kordahi said Hawks fans should be excited for what's to come this season.

"This ownership group has constructed a roster we think is capable of winning the NBL and bringing another championship to the people of the Illawarra. We're bringing back Tyler Harvey, we've signed some new stars and we've kept our young and exciting core group of local guys together. We can't wait to get the new season underway in a couple of months and I know the team is looking forward to what is hopefully a memorable season," Kordahi said.

"I think everyone in Australia is riding a huge wave of positivity towards basketball after what the Boomers achieved in Tokyo, and it will be great to commence the next chapter of the NBL on the back of that momentum. We also know a lot of people are doing it pretty tough at the moment with lockdowns and Covid, but hopefully this fresh NBL season can provide some light at the end of the tunnel for everyone in our community," Kordahi said.

Hungry Jack’s NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said: “It is an exciting day for the league and an extremely exciting time for basketball in general.

“Having a start date confirmed for November provides clarity for our clubs, players, coaches, staff, partners, broadcasters and fans, as we all prepare for what promises to be another amazing season.”

Loeliger said it made perfect sense to push back the season start date in the current climate.

“Based on expert advice and based on our own experiences from last season, delaying a month gives us more flexibility and most importantly, it provides fans a much better chance of attending more games in Australia and New Zealand as the number of people vaccinated against COVID increases towards the end of the year.

“We know our fans have been eagerly awaiting this announcement and we hope they continue to get right behind the players and clubs as the NBL continues to break new ground and takes things to the next level.

“There’s so much to look forward to with the inclusion of our newest team, the Tasmania JackJumpers, an exciting new group of Next Stars set to launch their careers, and many of our Olympic bronze medal heroes will be coming back home to play.

“We can’t wait for November 18 when another extraordinary season of world-class basketball begins.”

Further details on the 2021/22 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season schedule will be announced soon. 

The health and safety of players, coaches, staff and fans will continue to be a priority in all decision making and the NBL will at all times follow the advice of relevant health authorities and governments.