Next Stars 'Ignite' expansion and growth of NBL

• NBA and EuroLeague teams will play in Australia for the first time, expanding the NBL’s global reach
• The Ignite Cup and WNBL alignment will deliver basketball to Aussie fans six nights a week
• Expansion, improved venues, and broadcast growth are central to the NBL’s long-term strategy

The countdown to NBL26 is on with less than 50 days until tip off, and despite what many call the "off-season," it's been anything but quiet for Australia's premier basketball competition.

CEO Dave Stevenson, who has been at the helm for more than two years, has shared insights into the league's growth trajectory and what fans can expect in the upcoming season.

Historic Partnerships and Innovative Competitions

One of the most exciting developments for Australian basketball fans is the historic arrival of NBA and EuroLeague teams to Australian shores for the first time.

"The first time ever you've had an NBA team come to Australia... and first time EuroLeague teams coming out as well," Stevenson said.

These partnerships present a tremendous opportunity to expand the NBL's audience, with over 50,000 people registering for NBA game tickets – more than half of whom had never attended an NBL game before.

The introduction of the Ignite Cup, an in-season tournament played on Wednesday nights, represents another innovation aimed at giving basketball fans more content throughout the week.

Combined with the WNBL, which the NBL now oversees alongside Wollemi Capital Group, basketball will be available six nights a week for Australian fans.

The Next Stars Program and Pathway to the NBA

The Next Stars program continues to flourish as a development pathway for elite young talent.

With potential lottery picks like Dash Daniels and Karim Lopez joining the league, the program remains a genuine pathway to the NBA despite competition from college basketball's NIL opportunities.

"Those players could easily go and make more money in college with NIL, but they really take a long-term view of their career," Stevenson explained.

"If you're after short-term money, yes, college is a pretty good option. If you're in for a long-term career that involves the NBA, then I think the Next Stars is the best place for you."

The presence of elite talent like Montrezl Harrell and Bryce Cotton creates a competitive environment where young players can test themselves against professional veterans – valuable experience that college basketball simply can't offer.

Future Expansion and Broadcast Deals

On the much-discussed topic of expansion, Stevenson confirmed the NBL is in conversations with six or seven different cities.However, he emphasised quality over speed.

"We don't want to just expand for expansion's sake," he said.

"What's happened with the JackJumpers, in my opinion, the most successful expansion sporting team in Australian history – that's the bar."

A key consideration is venue size.

With the league's growth, 5,000-seat arenas are no longer sufficient – future venues need to accommodate 8,000-12,000 fans to meet growing demand.

Regarding broadcast arrangements, Stevenson revealed: "We're really close on the TV deals, so I think you'll see some good news in the next couple of weeks."

The focus remains on reaching more viewers rather than simply maximising financial returns.

The Future of Australian Basketball

As the NBL approaches its 46th season, the league finds itself in an unprecedented position.

With robust attendance figures, growing broadcast numbers, international partnerships, and innovative competitions like the Ignite Cup, Australian basketball has never been in a stronger position.

For fans, the upcoming season promises to be one of the most competitive and exciting in memory, with each of the ten teams having a legitimate chance at success.

As Stevenson puts it, "The fans want hope that their team has got a really good chance of being successful... and you can make an argument that every one of the ten teams has got a pretty sizable chance."

The future of Australian basketball looks brighter than ever, and with less than 50 days until tip off, the countdown to NBL 26 is well and truly on.