New Orleans Pelicans Set to Bring NBA Excitement to Australia
Big news for basketball fans in Australia! The New Orleans Pelicans are bringing NBA action down under with two thrilling exhibition games set to take place in Melbourne this October. This is a massive win for Aussie basketball enthusiasts, as they’ll get to witness top-tier NBA talent live on their home court.
The Pelicans have committed to bringing a full-strength squad, which means we’ll see none other than former No. 1 draft pick Zion Williamson in action. This is a huge deal, considering the star power he brings to the court with his electrifying athleticism and dominant presence. Alongside him, fans can also expect to see standout shooter CJ McCollum and the rest of the Pelicans lineup, making for an unmissable basketball showcase.
These highly anticipated games will see the Pelicans take on two top NBL teams—Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix—at the iconic Rod Laver Arena. Organizers are confident that the 14,000-capacity venue will be packed with passionate fans eager to witness the clash between NBA and NBL talent. The timing couldn’t be better, as the games are set to take place on the weekend following the AFL Grand Final, ensuring maximum exposure and engagement from the Australian sports community.
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David Griffin, the Pelicans’ executive vice president of basketball operations, has been working on bringing this event to life for over a decade. He sees this as a major opportunity to strengthen connections with Australian basketball. Griffin, who once worked with Boomers guard Dyson Daniels, has expressed interest in recruiting more Aussie players to the Pelicans’ roster. While the team currently doesn’t have an Australian player, this visit could pave the way for future signings.
Speaking of Australian basketball connections, Matthew Dellavedova, a key member of Melbourne United and an NBA champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, had the chance to reunite with Griffin at a recent practice session. Dellavedova, known for his gritty playing style and championship pedigree, represents the kind of hardworking and determined basketball culture that has made Australian players highly respected in the NBA.
The Victorian government is backing this event, although the exact financial commitment hasn’t been disclosed. However, this move aligns with Australia’s broader efforts to bring more international sporting events to the country. The NBA isn’t the only American league making its way down under—Melbourne has already hosted NHL exhibition matches, and the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams are set to play a game at the MCG in 2026.
While Griffin hopes this trip strengthens ties between the Pelicans and Australian basketball, he made it clear that there are no guarantees they’ll return in the future. It all depends on how well the event is received. That being said, NBL owner Larry Kestelman is pushing for this to become a recurring spectacle, although securing NBA vs. NBA matchups remains a challenge due to league restrictions.
With the Pelicans currently out of playoff contention, this visit to Australia could serve as a reset before the next NBA season. For Aussie fans, it’s a rare chance to see NBA-caliber basketball without having to travel overseas. If the enthusiasm is as high as expected, this could mark the beginning of a new era of NBA-NBL collaborations.
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