NBL\u2019S \u2018PHENOMENAL\u2019 GROWTH IN NUMBERS<\/p>\n
The NBL26 season has been full of surprises and excitement, following one of the biggest and best off-seasons in league history. That momentum has carried into the regular season, with the NBL announcing a 20% increase in viewership for regular-season games on ESPN\u2019s primary platforms \u2013 reinforcing its position as Australia\u2019s fastest-growing sport.<\/p>\n
NBL Group CEO David Stevenson said, \u201cThese numbers are a testament to the growth and strength of our League and the growing number of people falling in love with elite basketball in Australia and New Zealand.\u201d<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1763806450_225_poster-fallback.png\"\/)
<\/p>\n
A major factor in attracting new fans has been the league\u2019s free-to-air presence, with two dedicated Sunday time slots at 2:30pm (AEDT) and 4:30pm (AEDT). The 2:30pm game is up 49 per cent in average audience, while the 4:30pm game is up 33 per cent.<\/p>\n
United make it four wins in a row | 01:38<\/p>\n
The surge across both major broadcast partners reflects the league\u2019s broader growth domestically and internationally.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe consistency of our broadcast schedule from Wednesday through to Sunday, the success of new initiatives like the Ignite Cup, and the added intrigue brought about by marquee matchups, rivalries and world-class players are all contributing to this sustained momentum,\u201d Stevenson said.<\/p>\n
He continued, \u201cThis phenomenal growth underlines the value we continue to deliver our fans and partners, and we\u2019re incredibly grateful for the support of ESPN, Network 10, all NBL clubs, our players and our commercial partners.<\/p>\n
Together, we are elevating the NBL on every platform, and we remain focused on delivering a premium, consistent and enjoyable experience for fans. The signs are incredibly positive \u2013 we\u2019re reaching more fans, they\u2019re watching for longer, and the NBL continues to take giant strides forward in Australia and around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
With half the season still to play and one of the biggest playoff runs in NBL history looming, one thing is clear: global eyes are locked on the NBL. The league continues to grow from strength to strength, and these latest numbers are yet another powerful testament to its rise.<\/p>\n
Adelaide 36ers running hot in NBL | 01:24<\/p>\n
HARRELL\u2019S NBL RETURN THREATENED AMID NEW TWIST IN DOPING SAGA<\/p>\n Just days after Montrezl Harrell learned his fate in China\u2019s doping saga – receiving a three-month suspension<\/a> from professional basketball \u2014 a new report suggests his hopes of returning to the NBL may have hit a major road block.<\/p>\n According to a report by CODE Sports<\/a>, Harrell\u2019s path back to Australia has stalled, with Sports Integrity Australia (SIA) monitoring the situation involving the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year.<\/p>\n SIA\u2019s interest stems from an incident during Harrell\u2019s time with the Adelaide 36ers following a training session. Fox Sports Australia understands Harrell was initially hesitant to undergo a routine drug test but was eventually persuaded by the club to comply with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) protocols. <\/p>\n However, when the testing official informed him that his initial sample was insufficient, Harrell reportedly left the training facility before providing another.<\/p>\n Because the NBL operates under the WADA framework, refusing or failing to submit a sample can carry a suspension of up to four years – a penalty that would all but end any chance of an NBL comeback for the former 36er.<\/p>\n Fox Sports Australia contacted Harrell\u2019s agent, Darrell Comer, who defended his client and stressed that Harrell never failed a drug test. \u201cHe never failed a drug test in Australia,\u201d Comer said. <\/p>\n \u201cThere was a situation where they held him for hours after a game, but he ran out of urine. They didn\u2019t have enough for the test.\u201d<\/p>\n