NBL CROWDS SET FOR NEW RECORD IN 2017-18

Average crowds at NBL games in the first five rounds of the 2017-18 season have increased eight per cent on last season as attendances continue to build across Australia and New Zealand.

In Perth attendances have also jumped by eight per cent with an average 12,770 fans attending the first five games at Perth Arena this season. On Friday night the one millionth fan attended Perth Arena since the Wildcats started playing there in 2013.

This year they have already played in front of 67,914 fans, the most any team has played in front of in the first 5 rounds in NBL history.

Melbourne and Sydney also continue to draw big crowds with 8,213 fans attending Melbourne United’s game against Adelaide last Saturday. It follows a sell-out crowd of 10,300 at Hisense Arena for Melbourne’s first home game against New Zealand in round three.

NBL Chief Executive Jeremy Loeliger said: “Fans are voting with their feet as they embrace world class basketball and first class entertainment at venues across Australia and New Zealand.

“Last weekend’s games attracted 44,577 fans which is the fourth biggest attendance for a round in the past three years. So far our cumulative attendance for the season is 184,327 with the average crowd per game eight per cent higher than the first five rounds of last season which was also a record year for attendances. 

“Many of the crowds at games this season have easily eclipsed other sports and there is no doubt there is renewed interest in the game of basketball with the success of Australians in the NBA and in particular Ben Simmons.

“Importantly the NBL has its its own stars with names like Cotton, Ware, Sosa, Trice, Goulding, Martin and Newley to name just a few.

“With every game live on FOX SPORTS and three games also available on free to air via SBS and the ABC, the NBL is also offering fans an enhanced viewing experience and opportunity to enjoy the game in stadium and at home.”