The countdown to the 2026-27 Hungry Jack’s NBL season is officially on, with the 9Network delivering all 10 matches of the 2026 CODE Sports NBL Blitz live and free to basketball fans across Australia on 9Now.

Tipping off from September 2 to 6 in Bendigo, the pre-season tournament marks the first look at revamped rosters for all 10 NBL teams, including NBA legend Joe Ingles making his highly anticipated return to play in Australia.

This year’s Blitz launches Nine’s major new multi-platform rights partnership with the NBL, bringing the league back to Nine screens for the first time since the 2018-19 season. Every match will be available live and free alongside highlights and mini-games, making 9Now the ultimate digital destination for Australian basketball.

NBL Group CEO, David Stevenson, said:

“The NBL is excited to tip off its new partnership with Nine at the 2026 NBL Blitz in Bendigo. The Blitz continues to grow each year, and our new partnership with Nine will elevate the tournament, broadcasting all 10 matches into more homes than ever.
“Following a record-breaking season, this partnership with Nine is about building on momentum and making our game more accessible. Nine’s scale and storytelling capability will help to create new fans and amplify the visibility of our clubs and players.”

Nine’s Director of Sport, Brent Williams, said:

“Nine is thrilled to be launching our NBL partnership with the 2026 NBL Blitz. It’s an exciting format that continues to grow and engage a new generation of fans, NBL diehards and sports lovers in general. 
“It provides a great opportunity to showcase these phenomenal athletes and tell their stories, with every match available live and free across the country.”

Last year, the League enjoyed significant growth across attendance and broadcast audiences, breaking its all-time attendance record with 1,231,796 fans attending games.

Live game streaming grew by 21 per cent season-on-season, marking back-to-back years of 20 per cent growth, while average audiences on free-to-air television increased by 18 per cent compared with the previous season. 

The action tips off in Bendigo on Wednesday, September 2, when the Cairns Taipans clash with the Perth Wildcats.

2026 CODE SPORTS NBL BLITZ SCHEDULE:

Wednesday, September 2
Cairns Taipans vs Perth Wildcats                                   5.30pm AEST LIVE and FREE on 9Now
Sydney Kings vs South East Melbourne Phoenix          8.00pm AEST LIVE and FREE on 9Now

Thursday, September 3
Brisbane Bullets vs Tasmania JackJumpers                   5.30pm AEST LIVE and FREE on 9Now
Illawarra Hawks vs Adelaide 36ers                                 8.00pm AEST LIVE and FREE on 9Now

Friday, September 4
New Zealand Breakers vs Sydney Kings                        5.30pm AEST LIVE and FREE on 9Now
Perth Wildcasts vs Melbourne United                             8.00pm AEST LIVE and FREE on 9Now

Saturday, September 5
South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Brisbane Bullets       5.30pm AEST LIVE and FREE on 9Now
Adelaide 36ers vs Cairns Taipans                                   8.00pm AEST LIVE and FREE on 9Now

Sunday, September 6
Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks                             5.30pm AEST LIVE and FREE on 9Now
Tasmania JackJumpers vs New Zealand Breakers         8.00pm AEST LIVE and FREE on 9Now

STREAM THE 2026 NBL BLITZ LIVE AND FREE
FROM WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, ON 9NOW

Tuesday 1 September, 2026