2023 NBL Blitz hits the Gold Coast

It’s going to be a heat-up like no other when the Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz hits the Gold Coast in September.

The Perth Wildcats are set to take on opponents Cairns Taipans, Adelaide 36ers and the New Zealand Breakers over a five-day period in the lead up to the NBL24.

Sunday 17 September @ 1.30pm WST – Perth Wildcats v Cairns Taipans

Tuesday 19 September @ 5.30pm WST – Perth Wildcats v Adelaide 36ers

Thursday 21 September @ 5.30pm WST – Perth Wildcats v New Zealand Breakers

All games will be streamed live and free on Kayo freebies.

The tournament will showcase all the new faces, player signings and arguably the most talented group of Next Stars ever seen.

In a major win for families, the Blitz will be accessible and affordable with tickets starting from just $10 for children and $15 for adults – with each granting access to a double-header (apart from a standalone session on September 20 between Melbourne and Sydney), meaning fans can enjoy two games for the price of one.

General public tickets go on sale on Friday, July 28, on Ticketek.

“The Blitz on the Gold Coast will be the biggest and best event we’ve ever hosted in the lead-up to a season – there’s absolutely no doubt about it,” NBL CEO David Stevenson said.

“We promise to deliver world-class basketball and family-friendly entertainment, and are delighted to be staging the Blitz on the Gold Coast.”

Next Stars AJ Johnson, Alexandre Sarr, Bobi Klintman and Mantas Rubstavicius are all projected to be 2024 NBA draft picks, and will get their first taste of NBL action on the Gold Coast.

The Queensland teams are sure to garner strong support with Australian Boomers’ stars Aron Baynes and Nathan Sobey leading the Bullets, along with the first look at 17-year-old, 7’3 Next Star Rocco Zikarsky. Exciting Australian youngster Taran Armstrong and Next Generation Award winner Sam Waardenburg will be on show with the Taipans.

All games will be played at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from Saturday, September 16, until Friday, September 22. 

Click here to see the schedule.

“We want to encourage fans to engage with all the players when they’re out in the community through a range of activations and initiatives that will be announced. With Queensland and Victoria also on school holidays, it presents a fantastic opportunity for families and children to connect with the stars of NBL,” Stevenson added.

“The City of Gold Coast and the Queensland Government have been an absolute joy to work with, and we thank them for their commitment, and look forward to delivering a fantastic event with them.”

With NBL expansion a hot topic, Stevenson said the Blitz will provide Gold Coast fans with a rare opportunity.

“The Gold Coast is one of many cities in our expansion considerations. Gold Coast fans now have the chance to vote with their feet and turn up to the games, and show us why they deserve a team,” he said.

The 2023/24 Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz is proudly supported by Major Events Gold Coast and the Queensland Government.

“It’s terrific that the Gold Coast’s basketball loving community will get the opportunity to see the NBL’s best emerging and established stars, light up the courts over an entire week in September,” Queensland Government Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said.

“It will also provide a boost for the local economy with more than 20,000 fans expected to visit, with many to stay on and take the opportunity to experience the region and the state’s amazing tourism attractions.

“Queensland is the sports events capital of Australia and with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, along with world-class facilities and unmatched destinations, it’s a title we can expect to hold well into the future.”

"Another day and another major sporting announcement for our city. What a coup to have the NBL Blitz here on the coast," Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said.

"This event will let fans get up close to the brightest talent in the NBL as they showcase their skills on the court. Congratulations to Major Events Gold Coast, the State Government and NBL. It's showtime in September."

Village Roadshow CEO, Clark Kirby, said it is incredible to join forces with the NBL for the premiere sporting event.

“The NBL Blitz is going to be an amazing event and it is wonderful to be able to play our part in helping to bring it to life across the Gold Coast,” he said.

“We believe the partnership with the NBL has great synergy with our Theme Parks business with both organisations sharing a commitment to creating fun and entertaining experiences for visitors.”

The winning team will be awarded the Loggins-Bruton Cup, while the tournament’s most outstanding player will take home the Ray Borner Medal.

Competition Rules

• Games are worth a maximum of 7 points
• 3 points are awarded to the winning team
• 1 point is awarded to the side that wins each quarter
• In the event a quarter is tied, both teams receive half a point
• If a game goes into overtime, no additional points are awarded