https://nbl.com.au/news/blockbuster-opening-round-to-tip-off-2020-21-hungry-jacks-season

The 2020-21 Hungry Jack's NBL Season will tip off on January 10 with the Throwdown between Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix headlining a nine game opening round.


The blockbuster opening round will feature a rematch of last year’s NBL Grand Final as the reigning champions, Perth Wildcats, take on the Sydney Kings at RAC Arena on Friday January 15.


The NBL today released the first five rounds of what will be a rolling schedule for the season. A total of 39 games will be played over the first 37 days of the season in front of fans across Australia.


The full schedule for the opening round of the 2020-21 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season is:


Sunday, January 10


Melbourne United v South East Melbourne Phoenix (TBC)


South East Melbourne Phoenix v The Hawks (TBC)


Friday January 15


Melbourne United v SKY Sport New Zealand Breakers (TBC)*


Perth Wildcats v Sydney Kings, RAC Arena


Saturday, January 16


Brisbane Bullets v Cairns Taipans, Nissan Arena
The Hawks v South East Melbourne Phoenix, WIN Entertainment Centre


Sunday, January 17


Adelaide 36ers v Sydney Kings, Adelaide Entertainment Centre


Perth Wildcats v Melbourne United, RAC Arena


Tuesday, January 19


Cairns Taipans v The Hawks, Cairns Pop-Up Arena


*May be moved to Wednesday January 13 subject to venue availability


NBL Owner and Executive Chairman Larry Kestelman said: "We couldn’t be more excited to be announcing the start of the Hungry Jack’s NBL season. The NBL is one of Australia’s most popular sports and fans can’t wait for the season to start.


“I want to thank all of our clubs, players, staff, officials and corporate partners for their outstanding support in what has been a long and challenging


offseason as we get ready to deliver the NBL’s 43rd consecutive season.


“Given the challenges of 2020 this is a fantastic outcome to be able to play in front of fans again right across Australia. We now look forward to enjoying world class basketball and great entertainment over the coming months."


CLICK HERE FOR SCHEDULE FOR THE FIRST FIVE ROUNDS OF THE 2020-21 HUNGRY JACK’S NBL SEASON


NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said the schedule would be announced in stages during the season and the NBL was still considering the option of using a hub for part of the season.


“All teams will start the season playing games in front of fans in their home cities except the SKY Sport New Zealand Breakers who will be based out of Melbourne and travel for games for the initial part of the season.


“We hope the Breakers will be able to return to New Zealand once border restrictions and scheduling allows for that to happen and play as many games as possible in front of their fans.”


He said the regular season was expected to finish in May ahead of the finals. “Capacities at venues will vary according to their location but the aim is to play as many games in front of as many fans as possible as restrictions are further eased over the coming months.


“We are currently in discussions with the Victorian Government but our preference is to play the first three games of the season at John Cain Arena.


“But we will need to remain flexible with our scheduling and it will be subject to change based on border controls and health advice. For example, games in Adelaide have been currently scheduled on the basis that border restrictions will be lifted.”


Loeliger said the league was finalising its COVID safe protocols with the Clubs ahead of preseason games across December and January. These games would replace the NBL Blitz which will not be staged this year.


Start times for games will be confirmed. Games will be broadcast live on SBS, ESPN and SKY Sports (NZ).

I am excite

Interesting to see the games will be televised on ESPN - is that something we previously knew? Also, I assume it will also still be available on the NBL TV app?

Looks like the SEM first home game was meant to say Thursday the 14th

The ESPN agreement started last season on a multiple deal so no surprise there.

Nice rematch to start things off between Wildcats and Kings, a virtual "Game 4" if you like, but of course the league then shoehorns a Melbourne derby the weekend before which wasn't originally the plan.

"Looks like the SEM first home game was meant to say Thursday the 14th"

Looks like they have fixed that on the NBL site - you are correct, it is on the 14th.

Not counting my chickens until I see the Kings actually boarding their flight

Commented on Twitter, but it is interesting that Victoria has gone from epicentre of the virus in Australia to most suitable hub option - 2-3 teams in that location, etc. Not many would've been tipping that a month or two ago.

I'd say so and the uncertainty around when it will be played. It was announced earlier today but after the NBL draw release that Aus Open is now set for a later start date of 8 Feb.