Game of great 'Magnay-tude': Boomers to play in Tasmania

• The Australian Boomers will host New Zealand in a FIBA World Cup Qualifier at Tasmania's MyState Bank Arena on November 28
• It will be the first time the Boomers have played in Tasmania since 2006
• The Boomers recently won their third straight FIBA Asia Cup

Tasmanian fans have levelled up and Australian Boomers captain Will Magnay said he was primed to start is 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying campaign in his home state against the New Zealand Tall Blacks next month.

Tasmania JackJumpers skipper Magnay said Tasmania was a special place and the "fans have gone to another level in embracing the game".

"I feel lucky to be a part of the momentum over the last few years, with the Jackies and now with an opportunity to represent as an Australian Boomer," he said.

"The game in November against the Tall Blacks will be the first challenge in the World Cup run, and we will be ready to meet it."

The Australian Boomers are heading to Tasmania for the first time in almost 20 years and will take on trans-Tasman rivals, the New Zealand Tall Blacks on November 28 at MyState Bank Arena.

The Boomers last played an Oceania Championship game in Tasmania in 2006.

The game comes off the back of the success of the JackJumpers, who have been one of the most successful expansion franchises in the history of Australian sport, winning an NBL championship in their third season and appearing in two grand finals series and Hobart's awarding of a ninth WNBL license for the 2026-27 season.

“It’s a privilege to be here to announce that the Boomers will take the first crucial step in their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 campaign against the Tall Blacks here in Hobart,” Scriven said.

“Tasmania has a rich culture of basketball across all levels of the sport — from community and grassroots through the pathways and professional leagues, and ultimately to the national teams representing Australia.

"We are delighted to have the support of the Tasmanian Government and Basketball Tasmania to bring these games to such a passionate and deserving basketball community and thank them for their support and dedication in making these games a reality.”

Tasmania's Tourism, Hospitality and Events Minister, Jane Howlett, said the state was thrilled to be hosting the Boomers' first game towards qualifying for the 20207 FIBA World Cup.

“Tasmanians love their basketball, and I know that they will come along and support our Aussie Boomers as they take on New Zealand on 28 November," she said.

“This event is a significant boost for Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality sectors as we host travelling fans in Hobart and continue to strengthen our reputation as a world-class host for major events."

AusPlay data collated by Sport Australia shows 1.3 million Australians participate in the game nationwide, with basketball ranking as the fastest-growing team sport in the country. The game sits among the top five most played sports for children aged five to 14, with more than 350,000 regular junior participants.

The rise of basketball has also made an impact in Tasmania, particularly in junior participation, with an 88% increase in Aussie Hoops participants recorded in 2024.

“With participation growing at all levels across our state, the Boomers’ presence shines a light on the pathways available for young Tasmanian athletes who dream of representing their country,” Basketball Tasmania CEO, Ben Smith, said.