'Can't be overstated': New Orleans Pelicans named as the NBA team to play in Melbourne this year
The NBA will send the New Orleans Pelicans to Melbourne in October to take part in a pair of pre-season games.
In a joint announcement on Tuesday morning between the NBA, NBL and Victorian government, the Pelicans were confirmed as the team to make the trip ahead of the 2025/2026 season.
They will face NBL teams Melbourne United on October 3 and South East Melbourne Phoenix on October 5, with both games to take place at Melbourne Park.
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It will be the first time an NBA team will play games in Australia, with all parties to take part in promotional activities in the lead-up to the match.
The Pelicans have endured a rough year with injuries this season and could bring over a vastly different team to the regulars who currently play in the NBA due to a potential roster overhaul and player rest.
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"The significance of this announcement for basketball in Australia and the NBL can't be overstated," NBL Executive Director Larry Kestelman said.
"Hosting an NBA team in Australia has been a long-held dream for everyone at the NBL, and to see this initiative finally come to fruition after a 15-year journey shows that much can be accomplished when you 'Dream Big'.
"I want to thank Adam Silver, Mark Tatum, Michael Ma and the team at the NBA for being open to this amazing vision and for their continued support of our league."
"We are honoured to be part of this historic occasion for basketball in Australia," New Orleans Pelicans Governor Gayle Benson said.
"This collaboration with the NBL and NBA to bring the Pelicans to Melbourne provides an exceptional opportunity to engage with our global fanbase and share the rich spirit and culture of New Orleans with basketball fans in the region.
"We look forward to competing against Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix, and collaborating with the NBA and NBL to inspire and develop the next generation of athletes across the Asia-Pacific region."
