The NBA x NBL Melbourne Series brings elite international basketball to Australia as the New Orleans Pelicans battle top NBL teams in October 2025.
Game Schedule
The series will feature two high-profile games at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena:
Game 1: New Orleans Pelicans vs Melbourne United – Friday, October 3, 2025, at 7:40 pm AESTGame 2: New Orleans Pelicans vs South East Melbourne Phoenix – Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 2:10 pm AEDT
Rod Laver Arena, primarily known as a tennis venue for the Australian Open, will be transformed into a basketball court for these special events, providing a world-class setting for international basketball.
Special Events
Beyond the games themselves, the series includes several additional events for fans:
Pelicans Open Training – Thursday, October 2, 2025, 1 pm AEST: An exclusive opportunity for fans to watch an NBA team practice, featuring a player Q&A sessionNBA x NBL Fan Night – Saturday, October 4, 2025, 6 pm AEST: An interactive event featuring player performances, basketball challenges, and live entertainmentOfficial Luncheon – A premium event offering closer access to players and officials
These supplementary events create a festival atmosphere around the series, maximising the impact of having an NBA franchise in Australia.
Broadcast and Media Coverage
The 2025 Melbourne Series will receive comprehensive coverage across multiple platforms, making it accessible to basketball fans throughout Australia and globally.
Viewing Options
Australian basketball fans will have several options for watching the games:
Amazon Prime Video: Full live coverage and exclusive additional contentNetwork 10: Free-to-air broadcast reaching mainstream audiencesNBA League Pass: Available through the NBA App or as an add-on subscription via Prime Video
This multi-platform approach ensures maximum accessibility, from casual viewers to dedicated basketball fans seeking in-depth coverage.
Enhanced Content
Beyond the game broadcasts, media partners will deliver additional programming including:
Pre-game shows featuring analysis and interviewsSocial media content providing behind-the-scenes accessExclusive features exploring the NBA-NBL relationship
This comprehensive approach will extend the reach of the series beyond just the games themselves, creating a more immersive experience for fans.
Expected Attendance
Rod Laver Arena can accommodate approximately 15,000 spectators for basketball, and both games are sold out given the rare opportunity to see NBA talent in Australia.