Gold Coast to host inaugural NBL Ignite Cup Final

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The NBL has confirmed that the Final of the inaugural Hungry Jack’s NBL Ignite Cup, presented by Disney+, will be played on the Gold Coast, marking another milestone in the League’s connection with one of Australia’s premier sporting destinations.

The partnership with Experience Gold Coast and the Gold Coast City Council will bring the biggest night of the new in-season tournament to life in a city renowned for its world-class events and passion for sport.

The Ignite Cup features 20 new Wednesday night games played across the season, with all results counting towards the regular season ladder.

The top two teams will advance to the Ignite Cup Final, where they’ll compete for $400,000 in prize money, the largest prize pool in NBL history, split between players (60%) and clubs (40%).

Vince Crivelli, NBL Chief Operating Officer & Head of Basketball Operations said, "The Hungry Jack’s NBL Ignite Cup, presented by Disney+, will be an incredible celebration of basketball. It’s only fitting that all roads lead to the Gold Coast for the Final.

"The city has become synonymous with major events and elite basketball, and we’re thrilled to showcase the culmination of this new in-season tournament here. I want to sincerely thank Experience Gold Coast and Mayor Tom Tate for their support and enthusiasm. Their partnership is key to delivering an event that will capture the imagination of NBL fans across the country.”

“Gold Coast basketball is riding high and the Ignite Cup adds an exciting new layer to the season calendar,’’ said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.

“I applaud organisers, sponsors and officials for bringing this exciting format to our courts and look forward to being courtside for the final.’’The announcement further cements the NBL’s strong ties to the Gold Coast.

The NBL’s official pre-season tournament, The Blitz, has been successfully hosted on the Gold Coast in 2023 and 2024.

NBL Ignite Cup – Key Features

• 21 extra games locked in
• Record prize money: $400,000
• Wednesday night prime-time games
• Players receive 60% of winnings
• New points system: every quarter counts
• Every game impacts the regular season race
• Top two teams face off in the Ignite Cup Final

Ignite Cup Fixtures

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

• New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks
• Sydney Kings vs Melbourne United

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

• Tasmania JackJumpers vs Sydney Kings
• Perth Wildcats vs Brisbane Bullets

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

• Cairns Taipans vs Perth Wildcats

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

• Tasmania JackJumpers vs Perth Wildcats

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

• Illawarra Hawks vs Melbourne United

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

• Brisbane Bullets vs New Zealand Breakers

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

• Adelaide 36ers vs Illawarra Hawks

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

• New Zealand Breakers vs Sydney Kings

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

• South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Tasmania JackJumpers

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

• Sydney Kings vs Adelaide 36ers

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

• Adelaide 36ers vs Cairns Taipans

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

• Cairns Taipans vs South East Melbourne Phoenix

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

• Melbourne United vs Cairns Taipans

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

• South East Melbourne Phoenix vs New Zealand Breakers

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

• Brisbane Bullets vs Adelaide 36ers
• Perth Wildcats vs South East Melbourne Phoenix

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