NBL27 Schedule: Full Fixture, Opening Round and Key Dates
The full NBL27 fixture has officially been released, with the season beginning on September 19 and opening with a blockbuster run of 13 games across the first nine days.
The league has doubled down on the momentum generated during its record-breaking NBL26 campaign, scheduling games throughout AFL finals season while delivering another packed calendar featuring HoopsFest Perth, rivalry matchups and a host of marquee fixtures.
The NBL Blitz is the pre-season tournament held in Bendigo between the 2nd and 6th of September.
Below is everything you need to know about the NBL27 schedule, including Opening Round, key dates and the biggest games on the calendar. Check out the full NBL27 Schedule.
NBL27 Opening Rounds Schedule
The NBL is wasting no time getting the new season underway, with 13 games scheduled across the opening nine days of competition.
The opening weekend features several intriguing matchups as teams begin their push toward the NBL27 Finals.
| Date | Matchup | Time (AEST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | |||
| Sat Sept 19 | Melbourne United vs Adelaide 36ers | 7:30pm | John Cain Arena |
| Sat Sept 19 | Perth Wildcats vs South East Melbourne Phoenix | 9:30pm | RAC Arena |
| Sun Sept 20 | New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks | 3:00pm | Spark Arena |
| Sun Sept 20 | Sydney Kings vs Cairns Taipans | 5:00pm | Qudos Bank Arena |
| Mon Sept 21 | Tasmania JackJumpers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix | 7:30pm | MyState Bank Arena |
| Tue Sept 22 | Brisbane Bullets vs New Zealand Breakers | 7:30pm | TBC |
| Round 2 | |||
| Wed Sept 23 | Cairns Taipans vs Tasmania JackJumpers | 7:30pm | Cairns Convention Centre |
| Thu Sept 24 | South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Melbourne United | 7:30pm | John Cain Arena |
| Thu Sept 24 | Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers | 9:30pm | RAC Arena |
| Fri Sept 25 | Brisbane Bullets vs Illawarra Hawks | 7:30pm | Brisbane Entertainment Centre |
| Sat Sept 26 | Perth Wildcats vs New Zealand Breakers | 9:30pm | RAC Arena |
| Sun Sept 27 | Adelaide 36ers vs Cairns Taipans | 4:00pm | Adelaide Entertainment Centre |
| Sun Sept 27 | Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks | 6:00pm | Qudos Bank Arena |
NBL27 Schedule By The Numbers
The NBL27 fixture contains several notable scheduling milestones:
- 13 games across the opening nine days
- Season begins on September 19
- Games scheduled during AFL Grand Final week
- HoopsFest returns to Perth in January
- Full fixture released more than a month earlier than NBL26
The earlier release gives clubs, broadcasters and fans greater certainty heading into the new campaign and allows supporters to plan around major road trips, rivalry clashes and marquee events.
Key NBL27 Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| NBL27 Season Begins | September 19, 2026 |
| AFL Grand Final Weekend Games | September 26, 2026 |
| HoopsFest Perth | January 13-17, 2027 |
| NBL Blitz | September 2026 |
| Finals Series | TBC |
HoopsFest Perth Returns Bigger Than Ever
Part of the NBL27 schedule has already been confirmed through the announcement of the 2027 HoopsFest Perth fixture.
The event returns to RAC Arena from January 13-17 and will feature 10 games across five days involving both the NBL and WNBL.
After record crowds during NBL26, the league is leaning even harder into HoopsFest as one of its marquee in-season events.
NBL27 HoopsFest Schedule
All games to be played at RAC Arena
| Date | Matchup | Time (AEDT) |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday Jan 13 | Perth Lynx vs Townsville Fire | 7:00pm |
| Wednesday Jan 13 | Melbourne United vs Cairns Taipans | 9:30pm |
| Thursday Jan 14 | Sydney Flames vs Southside Melbourne | 7:00pm |
| Thursday Jan 14 | Sydney Kings vs South East Melbourne Phoenix | 9:30pm |
| Friday Jan 15 | Adelaide Lightning vs UC Capitals | 7:00pm |
| Friday Jan 15 | Perth Wildcats vs New Zealand Breakers | 9:30pm |
| Saturday Jan 16 | Tasmania Jewels vs Geelong Venom | 7:00pm |
| Saturday Jan 16 | Tasmania JackJumpers vs Adelaide 36ers | 9:30pm |
| Sunday Jan 17 | Bendigo Spirit vs Perth Lynx | 2:30pm |
| Sunday Jan 17 | Brisbane Bullets vs Illawarra Hawks | 5:00pm |
Biggest Questions Ahead of NBL27
With the schedule now confirmed, attention turns to roster moves, imports and championship contenders.
The Sydney Kings enter the season as defending champions, while Adelaide will look to build on its Championship Series appearance. Perth, Melbourne, Tasmania and South East Melbourne also appear set to challenge for a place in the NBL27 Finals.
As the season approaches, this page will continue to be updated with schedule changes, marquee matchups and finals information.
NBL27 Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the NBL27 season start?
The NBL27 season officially begins on Saturday September 19, 2026, with the league planning a nine-day opening stretch across the first two rounds.
- When will the full NBL27 schedule be released?
The full NBL27 fixture was released on Friday May 29, with clubs and broadcasters receiving the schedule earlier than last season.
- What is HoopsFest Perth?
HoopsFest Perth is a multi-day basketball event featuring both NBL and WNBL games at RAC Arena. The 2027 edition runs from January 13 to January 17.