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Perth will be the hub of Australian basketball in September 2024 when the inaugural ‘HoopsFest’ - an initiative supported by the Western Australian Government and Basketball Australia - takes place across RAC Arena, HBF Stadium, and the Bendat Basketball Centre.

HoopsFest, a multi-day event running 19th to 22nd September 2024, will deliver a combined 13 NBL and WNBL games, as well as 140 under-18 Australian Club Championships games, the renowned Sneakerland convention, and an array of fan activations as well as music, food and an assortment of other entertainment.

Basketball Australia Chief Executive, Matt Scriven highlighted "HoopsFest is a powerful moment of unity for the game of basketball in Australia. It's fitting that Perth, one of Australia's strongest basketball cities, will set the foundation for this exciting new tradition.”

Christy Collier-Hill, Head of WNBL added “The Cygnett WNBL is excited to be involved in HoopsFest – Australia’s inaugural national basketball festival being held in the picturesque city of Perth, WA. Bringing together basketball, culture and community, this is a fantastic moment of unity for basketball in Australia.

“HoopsFest will be a groundbreaking moment for our game and offers an exciting and unique experience for our WNBL athletes and clubs. We look forward to lighting up the courts alongside the NBL and U18 Club Championships this September with all eyes turning to Perth.”

NBL Chief Executive David Stevenson enthused "HoopsFest is the first of its kind and is set to be the biggest and best weekend in the sport's history, and we are thrilled to bring it to life for the first time in Perth.

“HoopsFest will have a significant impact well beyond the court. Attendees will enjoy a variety of entertainment throughout Perth, including an interactive fan zone, community engagements, live music, a new and exciting match-day experience that is different to a regular match, and more. It will be an unforgettable experience and it’s guaranteed to create lifelong memories for all that attend.

"The power of basketball will be on display at HoopsFest, helping foster an unmatched atmosphere that only our sport can generate when all elements of the game are united. In just one day, fans will be able to cheer on their favourite NBL and WNBL teams, meet their heroes at the fan zone, look at some of the world's rarest and sought after shoes at Sneakerland, and become immersed in the world of basketball.

“I want to thank the Western Australian Government and Tourism WA for their wonderful support in helping us make that dream a reality and we will create basketball history.

“That gratitude also extends to Basketball Australia CEO Matt Scriven, who has played a significant role in bringing HoopsFest to life.”  

The opening round of the 2024-25 NBL season will take place in Perth, with all teams playing one game over the course of the week. The first NBL game of the season will be a 2024 Championship Series rematch between the Tasmania JackJumpers and Melbourne United, scheduled for Thursday, 19^th September at RAC Arena.

NBL games will be split between RAC Arena - which is the Perth Wildcats' home floor - and HBF Stadium. Each NBL team will play 29 games over the regular season - up from the usual 28 - allowing them to take part in this event while still being able to host 14 home games.

The Wildcats will play their first game of the regular season at home on Friday, 20^th September against the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Over HoopsFest, a WNBL Tournament will take place as a precursor to the league's upcoming season. Eight total games will be played, beginning with a matchup between the hometown Perth Lynx and Sydney Flames, while Geelong United will make their first WNBL appearance.

The under-18 Australian Club Championships will feature 40 men's and women's teams, with some of the country's young talent set to be on display.

WA Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, Rita Saffioti noted "Western Australia has a long, proud and successful basketball history, so we're very excited to be hosting this inaugural event. We of course know the huge benefits hosting events like this bring to our State, attracting thousands of out of-state visitors, injecting millions of dollars into our local economy and creating a fantastic atmosphere for our local community."

WA Minister for Sport and Recreation shared "Western Australians love their basketball, so this announcement is a huge win for our community and I have no doubt we'll see plenty of locals turning out to show their support for this fantastic event.

"HoopsFest is the first of its kind and is set to be the biggest and best weekend in the sport’s history."

Fans can pre-register their interest for tickets now at Hoopsfest.com.au, with tickets, at the best rate, to the basketball family on sale from Friday 31st May, and general public tickets on sale from Tuesday, 4th June.   

HOOPSFEST SCHEDULE

(NBL Round One and WNBL Tournament)

Thursday 19th September

(WNBL) Perth Lynx v Sydney Flames, 4:00pm AWST/6:00pm AEST, RAC Arena

(NBL) Melbourne United v Tasmania JackJumpers, 6:30pm AWST/8:30pm AEST, RAC Arena  

(WNBL) Bendigo Spirit v Canberra Capitals, 5:00pm AWST/7:00pm AEST, Bendat Basketball Stadium

(WNBL) Townsville Fire v Geelong United, 7:30pm AWST/9:30pm AEST, Bendat Basketball Stadium

Friday 20th September

(WNBL) Southside Flyers v Perth Lynx, 4:00pm AWST/6:00pm AEST, RAC Arena

(NBL) Perth Wildcats v South East Melbourne Phoenix, 6:30pm AWST/8:30pm AEST, RAC Arena  

(WNBL) Sydney Flames v Adelaide Lightning, 5:00pm AWST/7:00pm AEST, Bendat Basketball Stadium

(WNBL) Bendigo Spirit v Townsville Fire, 7:30pm AWST/9:30pm AEST, Bendat Basketball Stadium

Saturday 21st September

(NBL) New Zealand Breakers v Brisbane Bullets, 4:00pm AWST/6:00pm AEST, HBF Stadium

(NBL) Cairns Taipans v Illawarra Hawks, 6:30pm AWST/8:30pm AEST, HBF Stadium

(WNBL) Adelaide Lightning v Southside Flyers, 5:00pm AWST/7:00pm AEST, Bendat Basketball Stadium

(WNBL) Canberra Capitals v Geelong United, 7:30pm AWST/9:30pm AEST, Bendat Basketball Stadium

Sunday 22nd September

(NBL) Adelaide 36ers v Sydney Kings, 12:30pm AWST/2:30pm AEST, RAC Arena

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