The New Orleans Pelicans are set to make history this October as they become the first NBA team to play games in Australia.
According to an official team press release, the Pelicans will travel to Melbourne to face two National Basketball League (NBL) teams in a pair of preseason matchups.
This marks a significant expansion of the NBA’s global reach, as the league has previously hosted preseason and regular-season games in Europe, as well as exhibition contests in Japan and China.
However, this will be the first time that NBA teams take the court on the Australian continent, further strengthening the connection between the league and the growing basketball culture in the region.
The Pelicans will first take on Melbourne United on October 3, followed by a matchup against South East Melbourne Phoenix on October 5.
These games will provide Australian fans with a rare opportunity to see an NBA team in action on their home soil while also giving the Pelicans valuable international experience ahead of the new season.
“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.”
