27
May
CODE Sports
Bendigo Blitz: NBL's pre-season showcase goes rural
Angus Glover of South East Melbourne Phoenix, Andrew Gaze, NBL legend and commentator, Jacinta Allen, Premier of Victoria, Maree Edwards, Labor Party member for Bendigo, David Stevenson, CEO of the NBL, and Christian D'Angelo of Melbourne United pose for a photograph during the 2026 Bendigo Blitz Announcement at Red Energy Arena on May 27, 2026 in Bendigo, Australia. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images for NBL
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See which teams will go head-to-head as the NBL's Blitz heads to the rural town of Bendigo
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The country Victorian city of Bendigo will host to this year’s CODE Sports NBL Blitz, giving the league’s clubs their first chance to show how they’re shaping up to take the crown from the champion Sydney Kings, writes Michael Randall from CODE Sports.
The NBL, on Wednesday morning, joined the Victorian Government in Bendigo to announce the five-day pre-season event’s new location. Last year’s event in Canberra was a complete sell out.
Each team will play two CODE Sports Blitz games from September 2-6. Fans won’t have to wait long to see how reigning champion Sydney has reloaded under Brian Goorjian, the master mentor set to renew his fierce rivalry with South East Melbourne’s rising star mentor Josh King on the tournament’s opening night, Wednesday, September 2.
Premier and Bendigo East MP Jacinta Allan said: “I know how important basketball is to my hometown, and bringing the NBL Blitz to Bendigo is a huge win for the region.”
“Not only will this inspire young basketballers, it will bring more visitors to Bendigo’s hotels, restaurants and cafes – boosting our visitor economy.”
2026 CODE SPORTS NBL BLITZ SCHEDULE
Wednesday, September 2
Cairns Taipans vs. Perth Wildcats, 5.30pm
Sydney Kings vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix, 8pm
Thursday, September 3
Brisbane Bullets vs. Tasmania JackJumpers, 5.30pm
Illawarra Hawks v Adelaide 36ers, 8pm
Friday, September 4
New Zealand Breakers v Sydney Kings, 5.30pm
Perth Wildcats v Melbourne United, 8pm
Saturday, September 5
South East Melbourne Phoenix v Brisbane Bullets, 5.30pm
Adelaide 36ers v Cairns Taipans, 8pm
Sunday, September 6
Melbourne United v Illawarra Hawks, 2.30pm
Tasmania JackJumpers v New Zealand Breakers, 5pm
***All time in AEST
For the full story on CODE Sports Basketball, click here.
