16
Jun
HoopsFest
OH MY: Bryce back in Perth for HoopsFest 2026
Hoopsfest returns to Perth in 2026.
Australian basketball's HoopsFest is billed as "a fusion of sport, culture, music and entertainment"
- NBL and WNBL regular season games will be part of HoopsFest 2026 in Perth, Western Australia
- HoopsFest will include a four-day open-age men's and women's tournament for prize money
- Former Perth Wildcats star Bryce Cotton and the Adelaide 36ers will play South East Melbourne Phoenix on January 18, 2026
HoopsFest has been moved to the summer school holidays in Perth, Western Australia in 2026 — and Bryce Cotton will be there.
“We are delighted to be heading back to Perth for HoopsFest, after what was an incredible experience last year,” NBL CEO David Stevenson said.
“The shift to the January school holiday period is a great result for basketball fans all around the country, and for those wanting to experience the best of basketball and all it has to offer, then HoopsFest is not to be missed."
It is the second time HoopsFest will be held in the WA capital, this time between January 15 and 18, 2026.
It is billed as the ultimate fusion of sport, culture, music and entertainment.
Former Perth Wildcats superstar Cotton will be back in Perth potentially for the first time with the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday, January 18, 2026 to take on the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
NBL & WNBL games at HoopsFest 2026
Thursday, January 15, 2026:
Perth Lynx vs Bendigo Spirit (WNBL)
Sydney Kings vs Brisbane Bullets (NBL)
Friday, January 16, 2026:
Geelong United vs Sydney Flames (WNBL)
Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks (NBL)
Saturday, January 17, 2026:
Southside Flyers vs Adelaide Lightning (WNBL)
Cairns Taipans vs New Zealand Breakers (NBL)
Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers (NBL)
Sunday, January 18, 2026:
Adelaide 36ers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix (NBL)
Townsville Fire vs Canberra Capitals (WNBL)
“HoopsFest is a vibrant celebration of everything we love about basketball — the perfect chance for everyone to experience the game, whether you're a longtime fan or attending for the first time,” WNBL CEO Jennie Sager said.
“Women's basketball is thriving like never before, both here in Australia and globally, and the WNBL offers a rare opportunity to see Olympians, WNBA champions, and Australia's top talent all on one court.”
HoopsFest Perth will again feature fan activities such as Sneakerland, along with food, music and entertainment.
New in 2026, the HoopsFest Cup is an open-age men's and women's four-day basketball tournament with prize money.
"With the success of last year’s inaugural HoopsFest, it’s great that Perth’s secured Australia’s biggest basketball festival once again to delight fans in venues across the city,” WA Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said.
“Western Australia has a long, proud and successful basketball history with the Perth Wildcats and Perth Lynx, so we're very excited to see this event return.
"It's yet another opportunity to showcase our world-class sporting facilities and spotlight Western Australia as an incredible tourism destination, and host of major events.”
