Melbourne United excited for basketball to return to our city

Melbourne United today welcomed the joint State Government and NBL announcement that will see Victoria host a festival of 36 basketball games starting on February 20, as part of the 2021 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season.

All 36 games played in the NBL Melbourne Hub will count towards the teams’ overall season record in accordance with standard ladder methodology. In addition, teams will compete for the NBL Cup, with three points awarded for a win and an extra point awarded for each quarter won across the 36 games held. 

Melbourne United is excited to welcome basketball back to our city - the most popular for basketball participation in the country - after being starved of live sporting events for the majority of the year.  

Melbourne United CEO Vince Crivelli spoke of his gratitude, understanding the amount of work that is required to get such an event off the ground. 

“It is fantastic that our sport can return in such a fashion in our city,” Crivelli said.

“On top of the announcement of our season returning from mid-January, for Melbourne to win the right to host this unique festival of basketball is a huge fillip for the sport in our state and for our fans, who’ve stayed with us all the way.

“Fans of our club and of our sport in general will be ecstatic that they can get back into the stands and witness some of the best basketball in the world, live and in person.

“On behalf of Melbourne United, I would like to thank the Victorian Government and the National Basketball League for their efforts and commitment to basketball in our state.

“We look forward to welcoming the other teams and seeing some of the world’s best basketball played right here in front of the world’s best sports fans, in the sporting capital.”

At the completion of the NBL Melbourne Hub, clubs will return to their respective home venues and complete the remainder of the NBL home and away season. The NBL’s intention, subject to COVID and scheduling issues, is for teams to host their customary 14 home games during the regular season, over and above the games played in the NBL Melbourne Hub.

The NBL will release the schedule for the NBL Cup and details about how to buy tickets soon. All games will be broadcast live on SBS, ESPN and Sky Sport (NZ).