bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

hooksAmpRedirectArticle

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

corrections

sponsorType

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

quizIds

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

paywallTypes

pdfFiles

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

readingTime

customTimezone

liveContents

Agence France-Presse

New Orleans Pelicans will become the first NBA team to play in Australia when they tip off in two pre-season games in October, organisers said on Tuesday.
Both matches, against Melbourne United and Melbourne Phoenix, will be played at Melbourne Park, best known for hosting the Australian Open tennis.
“The significance of this announcement for basketball in Australia and the NBL can’t be overstated,” Larry Kestelman, owner and director of Australia’s National Basketball League, said in a statement.
“Hosting an NBA team in Australia has been a long-held dream for everyone at the NBL and to see this initiative finally come to fruition after a 15-year journey shows that much can be accomplished when you ‘dream big’.”

The Pelicans, who feature two-time NBA All-Star Zion Williamson and top point guard Dejounte Murray, will be in action on October 3 and 5.
“This is an exciting moment for our organisation and a testament to the growing global impact of the NBA,” said Pelicans president Dennis Lauscha.
“Bringing the Pelicans and NBA to Australia for the first time is a proud milestone and we are thrilled to be part of this unique opportunity to engage with fans in Melbourne.”


Meet Molly Qerim, host of ESPN’s First Take: known for her fashion sense and ‘soft side’, she has used her platform to advocate for endometriosis and autism spectrum disorder awareness

Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, Antetokounmpo: NBA playoffs again a showcase for global stars

Who is Larsa Pippen’s much younger new man, Jeff Coby – a basketball player? The Real Housewives of Miami star’s rumoured beau signed with the New York Knicks and is 19 years her junior

Boston Celtics break NBA season 3s record in 123-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns

NBA (National Basketball Association)

New Orleans Pelicans to become first NBA team to play in Australia with pre-season visit

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (left) controls the ball against Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green during their NBA clash in Houston last week. Photo: AP

NBL match between Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix at Melbourne Park. Photo: Getty

World Grand Prix snooker in Hong Kong tipped to inspire next Marco Fu or Ng On-yee

Stuart Bingham plays Neil Robertson in Sunday’s final at Kai Tak Arena. Photo: Dickson Lee

Stuart Bingham (right) with Neil Robertson during the trophy presentation. Photo: Dickson Lee

Cadillac F1 boss: Zhou Guanyu did ‘exceptionally good job’ for Sauber, 2026 role possible

Ferrari’s Zhou Guanyu speaks to a mechanic on the second day of Formula One pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir last month. Photo: AFP

Colton Herta, of Gainbridge Team Andretti Honda, has been heavily linked with a move to Formula One. Photo: Getty Images

Sport

Basketball

The franchise will play two matches in October against Melbourne clubs at Melbourne Park, venue of the Australian Open tennis


The franchise will play two matches in October against Melbourne clubs at Melbourne Park, venue of the Australian Open tennis.


FIBA (International Basketball Federation)