NBL BREAKS MORE RECORDS IN 2017-18 SEASON

The Grand Final Series between Melbourne United and the Adelaide 36ers was the highest ever attended, watched by 44,260 fans, breaking the previous record of 43,605 set in 1992.

The NBL also attracted a total of 762,871 fans this season, a five per cent increase on 2016-17. The average crowd at games was 6,305 – the highest in NBL history. This follows an 14 per cent increase in total attendances in 2016-17.

NBL Chief Executive Jeremy Loeliger said: “First, I want to congratulate Melbourne United on winning their first NBL Championship and the runners-up the Adelaide 36ers on a fantastic season.

“I also want to congratulate all the fans who’ve voted with their feet this season. They are among the most passionate and loyal fans across Australia and New Zealand and they’ve enjoyed some world class basketball and entertainment.”

Melbourne United played in front of over 150,000 fans at their home games this season, the most by any Melbourne based team in NBL history. Perth Wildcats crowds also increased by 11 per cent and Adelaide were up by five per cent.

Cumulative average audience on Fox Sports, SBS and the ABC increased by 43 per cent to 3.4 million this season. The cumulative reach increased 50 per cent to 17 million.
 
 “This is another key indicator of the popularity of the NBL and shows we have a world class product that will continue to build its audience in the seasons to come,” Loeliger said.

He said it has been another landmark season for the NBL and Australian basketball with other highlights including:

• Three historic games between NBL and NBA teams in the USA
• A new NBL naming rights partner Hungry Jack’s
• Launch of the Kmart Gametime program to engage with 100,000 school children
• The first Australian Open game at Hisense Arena in January
• A special Heritage Month to celebrate the NBL’s 40^th season
• The launch of the new 3×3 Hustle
• The announcement of two games between the USA Men’s Basketball Team and the Boomers at Etihad Stadium in August 2019

“Basketball is booming in Australia. We have a record number of Australians playing in the NBA, one million people playing the game here and interest in the NBL has never been higher as this season showed.

“Congratulations to all our clubs, players, officials and staff, corporate partners, broadcast and media partners and fans for what has been another memorable season. We look forward to the launch of the 3×3 Pro Hustle, a national tour by the Harlem Globetrotters and some more exciting announcements this month.”

For more information please contact Nick Johnston – General Manager – Media and Communications | nick.johnston@nbl.com.au |  0419 538 936