Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Fans furious at withdrawal of stars from 2019 International Basketball Series

Fans furious at withdrawal of stars from 2019 International Basketball Series
August 20, 2019

Furious basketball fans are demanding ticket refunds for this week’s Australia versus United States all-star basketball games at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium following the withdrawal of stars from the fixtures.

Part of pre-FIBA World Cup international series featuring the Boomers, Team USA, Canada and New Zealand, the Australia v USA clashes are being held on 22nd and 24th August.

Promoted by the TEG Group, top tier stars including Steph Curry and Lebron James were used in the original marketing material for the 2019 International Basketball Series.. However, the pair, along with a stream of players, including Anthony Davis and James Harden, have withdrawn from the games - prompting fans to express their disappointment and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to launch an investigation.

Australian star Ben Simmons is the latest star to withdraw, announcing on Sunday he would not be playing in the two-game World Cup warm-up exhibition series.

With games of this quality rare in Australia, spectators were keen to see basketball’s top players, with some paying thousands of dollars for tickets, interstate flights and accommodation.

A Change.org petition has been started online asking for a refund with the petition gaining almost 3,000 signatures.

However, with top stars not to appear, the ACCC has launched an investigation into the event.

Responding to an inquiry from the Daily Mail Australia, a spokesperson advised “under the Australian Consumer Law, companies must not make false or misleading representations, including when advertising events.

“We understand that some advertising of the USA Basketball games occurring in Melbourne and Sydney included pictures of players who will not be attending those games. The ACCC is considering the issues and engaging with relevant parties.'

“Ticketholders who wish to seek a refund should contact the promoter, TEG Live, or their ticketing agency.

“If they are unable to resolve their issue with these companies, report the issues to the ACCC.”

Promotional material from TEG states “the biggest names in world basketball will square off in August 2019 when the Australian Boomers host USA Basketball at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne.

“Do not miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to see the USA's best battle it out with Australia's local heroes in this important pre-FIBA World Cup series.

“With eight Aussies lighting it up in the US this year, there has never been a better chance for the Boomers to beat the might of the USA Basketball on home soil. This promises to be the biggest sporting event of the year.'”

The United States will still field a strong team for the exhibition games giving fans a chance to see some legitimate NBA talent - although it will be much younger players.

Image shows stars used in the promotion of the 2019 International Basketball Series. Courtesy of TEG.

Related Articles

13th August 2019 - Fun and creativity the focus of Marvel Stadium’s new kids zone

16th June 2019 - Marvel Stadium to review ‘intimidating’ AFL security measures

6th June 2019 - Marvel Stadium becomes first Australian venue awarded Global Venue of the Year

30th May 2019 - Marvel Stadium congratulates Eray Saban on VMA Young Achiever of the Year Award 

11th April 2019 - TEG awarded Ticketing Business of the Year 

25th January 2019 - TEG restructures for new era of ticketing and technology

12th November 2018 - RnB Fridays Live music fans claim ‘worst concert ever’ at Marvel Stadium

22nd August 2018 - Total Sport & Entertainment takes ownership position in Sydney Kings

20th July 2018 - Players suspended, Basketball Australia fined over Philippines ‘basketbrawl’

24th November 2017 - Infront China agrees ticketing partnership for 2019 FIBA World Cup

6th September 2017 - TEG Analytics and TEG Rewards shine light on growth in eSports


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Again Faster

ABOUT Again Faster is a Brisbane based, Australian owned supplier of strength and conditioning and functional fitness equipment. With nearly 10 years experience in the Australian market, we are…

read more

Fitness / Recreation

 
 

BH Fitness

BH Fitness, part of the long-standing and iconic bike manufacturer BH Group, is a global leader in fitness equipment for both Commercial and Home markets. The company, with the headquarters based in…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 

The Pool Enclosure Company

Now TPEC Pool Enclosures - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/tpec-pool-enclosures

read more

Aquatics / Design / Recreation / Venues

 
 

Spill Station Australia

Compliant chemical storage and decanting solutions. Includes spill kits, spill containment pallets, chemical decanting decks and safety shower and eyewash equipment. See our full range of solutions

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Security / Venues

 
 

AAC

Welcome to AAC – makers of the world’s best wristbands, lanyards, tickets, tokens and full-service print solutions. We are Australia’s premier global manufacturer and supplier of…

read more

Access / Marketing / Safety / Ticketing

 
 

VITEC

Stadiums and venues around the world recognise that success hinges on more than just what happens on the pitch. More than ever, fan engagement within each facility is a critical part of the overall…

read more

Entertainment / Sport / Technology / Venues

 
 

Anti Wave Global

Anti Wave Global is the original suppliers of top performance swim, aquatic sports, leisure and pool programming equipment. Founded in 1971, Anti Wave Global is proud of its long and tested…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Sport

 
 

Myzone

Email for trade enquiries: Enquiriesapac@myzone.org  Customer support desk - Click Myzone support or go to ‘help’ on myzone app to access live support. Myzone® is the leading…

read more

Fitness / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business