The NBA franchise New Orleans Pelicans has become the latest American sports team to make a memorable appearance in Australia, confirming their participation in an exciting two-match exhibition series against Australian National Basketball League (NBL) teams, Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix.
These anticipated games are scheduled to take place in October at the iconic Rod Laver Arena, which boasts a seating capacity of 14,000. Organizers aim to create a buzz that culminates in sold-out crowds for the matches, which are set to occur during the weekend following the prestigious AFL grand final. Additionally, the Pelicans will engage with fans through two open training sessions at Melbourne Park, offering a unique opportunity for local basketball enthusiasts.
The Pelicans are committed to showcasing a full-strength roster for this trip, featuring notable players such as the former No. 1 overall draft pick, Zion Williamson. This visit marks their pre-season preparations as they gear up for the 2025-26 NBA season, slated to begin in late October.
Larry Kestelman, the owner of the NBL, expressed his aspirations for this event to be the first in a series of cultural exchanges between American and Australian basketball. He referred to the upcoming matches as a “celebration” of Australian basketball, emphasizing his belief that this visit will pave the way for many more in the future.
In addition, David Griffin, the Pelicans’ executive vice president of basketball operations, noted the significant journey of negotiations with Kestelman that has spanned over a decade.
Following last year’s trade of Australian Boomers guard Dyson Daniels from New Orleans to the Atlanta Hawks, he voiced hopes of adding another Australian player to the roster before the team’s visit in October. This reflects the Pelicans’ strategy to strengthen their ties with the Australian basketball community and deepen their engagement with fans Down Under.
