HoopsFest Slams Back Into Perth
Perth will once again take centre court as the host of HoopsFest 2026, following the success of last year’s inaugural event.
From 15 to 18 January 2026, Perth will exclusively host all matches of the National Basketball League (NBL) and the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) competitions during round 17 of the regular NBL and round 14 of the WNBL seasons.
Perth’s iconic RAC Arena – along with other elite basketball venues across the city – will host all the on-court action, including team training and matches, plus a new tournament competition, involving more than 30 community teams competing for $50,000 in prize money.
HoopsFest is expected to attract thousands of out-of-state visitors to Western Australia, providing a significant boost to WA’s tourism and hospitality industry, with last year’s inaugural event generating more than $6.1 million in economic impact for the State.
HoopsFest 2026 will further build on WA’s reputation as a major events destination and follows other exclusive blockbusters that will be held this year including State of Origin II, the Ashes’ West Test, and WWE Crown Jewel: Perth.
The festival will include the HoopsFest Cup, which is a new event for 2026 and will bring together teams from around Australia for a national tournament, giving open-aged players the chance to join in the HoopsFest action.
Basketball fans can also look forward to the return of supporting events such as Sneakerland, Australia’s largest sneaker culture festival, plus the return of the HoopsFest Fan Festival, which celebrates all things basketball and its culture, including music, entertainment, fashion and more.
Tickets and further information available at nbl.com.au
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
“With the success of last year’s inaugural HoopsFest, the Cook Government is proud to have secured Australia’s biggest basketball festival once again to delight fans in venues across the city, drive tourists to our state and inject visitor spend into our economy.
“This exciting event gives us yet another opportunity to showcase our world-class sporting facilities and spotlight Western Australia as an incredible tourism destination, and a premier host of major events.
“Western Australia has a long and successful basketball history with the Perth Wildcats and Perth Lynx, so we’re also very excited to see this event return during the busy January school holidays period, the perfect timing for kids and families.”
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Basketball has a passionate fan base here in WA, and off the back of a hugely popular first iteration, there really is no better place for HoopsFest to make its return.
“It’s yet another massive sporting event being hosted in WA over the next six months, and being held during the January school holidays makes it a perfect outing for families and kids.”
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook Labor Government/HoopsFest-slams-back-into-Perth–20250616