Wildcats hit the road for NBL27 pre-season action down south

The Perth Wildcats are headed to the South West, with the club’s first hit-out of the NBL27 pre-season set for Eaton Recreation Centre on Friday 14 August.

Delivered in partnership with the Shire of Dardanup, the Wildcats will take the court for their annual pre-season intraclub game as the countdown to NBL27 begins.

For basketball fans in the South West, Red vs Black will offer the first look at the club’s new recruits, with returning Wildcats also set to feature in the club’s opening pre-season hit-out.

The Wildcats’ visit will continue on Saturday 15 August, with junior basketball clinics at Eaton Recreation Centre giving young players the chance to hit the floor with Wildcats coaches and players.

Perth Wildcats CFO Sam Fotu said taking the team to regional communities is an important part of who the Wildcats are as a club.

“We’re thrilled to be heading to Eaton for our first pre-season hit-out,” Fotu said.

“The Shire of Dardanup has been a key driver in bringing this event to the region, and we’re incredibly grateful for their support in helping us connect with basketball fans across the South West.

“The intraclub match (Red vs Black) will give fans the chance to see our NBL27 squad in action, including our new recruits, and we’re looking forward to sharing that experience with the local community.”

Shire of Dardanup President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner said hosting the Wildcats reinforced Eaton Recreation Centre’s standing as one of regional Western Australia’s premier sporting venues.

“The Shire of Dardanup is honoured to welcome the Perth Wildcats to Eaton Recreation Centre and showcase our first-class facility to players, coaches and basketball fans from across the region,” Cr Gardiner said.

“As a FIBA-accredited facility, Eaton Recreation Centre has the capacity to host elite-level basketball events, and we’re proud to bring an NBL club of the Wildcats’ calibre to our community.

“This event is not only a fantastic opportunity for basketball fans to see elite athletes in action, but also for young players to be inspired and develop their skills through direct engagement with some of the country’s best basketball talent.”

The event will also strengthen the connection between the Wildcats and the South West basketball community, with support from the Shire of Dardanup, Eaton Basketball Association and South West Slammers.

Eaton Basketball Association Vice President Dan Gunson said the event would provide a major boost for basketball in the region.

“Having been involved in basketball for more than 20 years, I know how much excitement events like this generate,” Gunson said.

“They don’t just showcase the sport at its highest level, they also help grow the grassroots game by inspiring the next generation of players.

“For local children to watch elite athletes compete and then have the opportunity to play on the same court afterwards is a special experience. Bringing high-performance sport to regional communities is incredibly important, and we’re delighted to help make that possible.”

South West Slammers Manager Basketball Operations Dan Gould said the club was proud to support the event.

“The Slammers are proud to be able to assist the Shire of Dardanup in hosting the Wildcats for a pre-season game at ERC,” Gould said.

“We're looking forward to seeing the community enjoy a great night out.”

Tickets to the game will go on sale from Friday 17 July. 

Perth Wildcats Red vs Black 
Friday 14 August 2026
Eaton Recreation Centre
Doors open: 5.30pm
Tip-off: 7pm

Perth Wildcats Junior Basketball Clinics
Saturday 15 August 2026
Eaton Recreation Centre
Sessions: 10am and 11am