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Australian NBL

The History of the Australian NBL

Dive deep into the history of the NBA, exploring how the league began and evolved over time, from its early days to its current status as a global phenomenon.

Founded on June 6, 1946, as the Basketball Association of America (BAA), the NBA emerged from a merger with the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949. The league quickly gained popularity through the 1950s and 1960s, featuring legends like Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain.

The NBA continued to rise in prominence during the 1970s and 1980s, driven by the rivalry between Larry Bird's Celtics and Magic Johnson's Lakers. The 1990s saw a global expansion, largely fueled by Michael Jordan’s dominance and the impact of international stars like Hakeem Olajuwon and Dirk Nowitzki.

Today, the NBA is a global powerhouse, showcasing top talent and influencing basketball worldwide. Its history is rich with legendary players, memorable moments, and an ongoing commitment to advancing the sport.

Basketball History

2024 Champion

The race to the NBL championship is complete, with the Tasmania JackJumpers claiming their maiden title.

Their opponents Melbourne United had been the league's high-water mark for the entire season, finishing in top spot with 20 wins and not losing two games in a row the entire season.

While the JackJumpers started the season on shaky footing, they came home strong in a massive way, knocking out second-ranked team Perth and MVP Bryce Cotton en route to the finals.

Only three years after joining the NBL, the Tasmania JackJumpers have claimed their first championship trophy.

Basketball History

NBL Teams

Discover the elite teams competing in the NBL, showcasing the best of Australian basketball.

Adelaide 36ers

The Adelaide 36ers (also well known as the Sixers) are an Australian professional men's basketball team that competes in the National Basketball League (NBL). The 36ers are the only team...

Founded: 1983

Stadium: Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Brisbane Bullets

The Brisbane Bullets are an Australian professional men's basketball team that competed in the National Basketball League (NBL) from 1979 to 2008, and returned to the league in 2016. Brisbane...

Founded: 1979

Stadium: Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Cairns Taipans

The Cairns Taipans are an Australian professional basketball team based in Cairns, Queensland. The Taipans compete in the National Basketball League (NBL) and play their home games at the Cairns...

Founded: 1999

Stadium: Cairns Convention Centre

Illawarra Hawks

The Illawarra Hawks are an Australian professional basketball team based in Wollongong, New South Wales. The Hawks compete in the National Basketball League (NBL) and play their home games at...

Founded: 1979

Stadium: WIN Entertainment Centre

Melbourne United

Melbourne United is an Australian professional basketball team based in Melbourne, Victoria. United compete in the National Basketball League (NBL) and play their home games at John Cain Arena. The team...

Founded: 1984

Stadium: Melbourne Arena

New Zealand Breakers

The New Zealand Breakers are a New Zealand professional basketball team based in Auckland. The Breakers compete in the National Basketball League (NBL) and play their home games at Spark...

Founded: 2003

Stadium: Spark Arena

Perth Wildcats

The Perth Wildcats are an Australian professional basketball team based in Perth, Western Australia. The Wildcats compete in the National Basketball League (NBL) and play their home games at RAC...

Founded: 1982

Stadium: RAC Arena

South East Melbourne Phoenix

The South East Melbourne Phoenix are an Australian professional basketball team based in Melbourne, Victoria. The Phoenix entered the National Basketball League (NBL) in the 2019–20 season. The team play...

Founded: 2018

Stadium: Melbourne Arena

Sydney Kings

The Sydney Kings are an Australian professional men's basketball team competing in the National Basketball League (NBL). The team is based in Sydney, New South Wales. The Kings were formed...

Founded: 1987

Stadium: Qudos Bank Arena

Tasmania JackJumpers

The Tasmania JackJumpers are an Australian professional basketball team based in Hobart, Tasmania, who will enter the National Basketball League (NBL) in the 2021–22 season, and will play their home...

Founded: 2020

Stadium: MyState Bank Arena