Wildcats to open NBL Cup

The Red Army will be able to enjoy two games of world class basketball for the price of one when the inaugural NBL Cup tips off in Melbourne this month.

In what will be one of the biggest basketball events ever staged in Australia, the NBL Cup will feature 18 double headers at John Cain Arena and the State Basketball Centre in a four-week basketball extravaganza.

All nine NBL teams will feature in 36 games with $300,000 prizemoney up for grabs and all games counting towards the 2020-21 Hungry Jack’s NBL season.

Ticket prices will start at just $17 with a blockbuster double header of Melbourne United v Perth Wildcats and Cairns Taipans v The Hawks to open the NBL Cup at John Cain Arena on Saturday February 20.

Tickets for the NBL Cup will go on sale to NBL club members next Monday February 8 and the general public from Tuesday February 9 at nblcup.com.au.

Click here for full schedule of games.

NBL Owner and Executive Chairman Larry Kestelman said: “We are excited to announce the schedule for the NBL Cup, a truly unique event for Melbourne and Australian sport.

“The NBL Cup will showcase one of the best basketball leagues and provide great live entertainment between the Australian Open tennis and start of the AFL season.

“Most importantly, it will provide great value for all sports fans, particularly families, who can watch the biggest stars of the league in double headers for the price of one game.

“We encourage everyone who hasn’t been to an NBL game before to come along and experience a fantastic night of entertainment.”

NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said: “I want to thank the Victorian Government for partnering with us to bring the Hungry Jack’s NBL to Melbourne for what will be the biggest event we have ever staged.

“All 36 games played for the NBL Cup will count towards the teams’ overall season record in accordance with standard ladder methodology. The winner of the NBL Cup will be determined by a separate ladder with three points to be awarded for a win and an extra point awarded for each quarter won across the 36 games held.

“Every team will play each other once and the team with the most points at the end of the 36 games will be awarded the NBL Cup and $150,000 in prize money. The runner-up will receive $100,000 and third place $50,000.

“At the completion of the NBL Cup, clubs will return to their respective home venues and complete the remainder of the NBL home and away season.”