36ers Blitz dates confirmed

Adelaide 36ers fans will get their first official glimpse of the new-look lineup when the side faces reigning Champions Illawarra as part of the NBL’s pre-season tournament in Canberra.

The NBL Blitz will be played in the nation’s capital for the first time with the 36ers to face the Hawks on Wednesday, 27 August before coming up against Tasmania three days later.

All ten teams will feature as part of the Blitz with every game played at the AIS Arena.

The games will be played across five days with double headers each day.

"Bringing the Blitz to Canberra is the highlight of our pre-season calendar,” said NBL Chief Operations Officer and Head of Basketball Operations, Vince Crivelli.

“We are incredibly grateful for the strong support from the ACT Government, our clubs, and AIS Arena for making this event possible.”

“Canberra basketball has an amazing history with the NBL, and most significantly as the Cannons winning three championships in 1983, 1984 and 1988, so we are delighted to be back hosting elite NBL competition here.

“Canberra's passionate basketball fans, and those from around the country, are encouraged to make the trip for this great event as we look to showcase professional basketball with everything the ACT has to offer.”

After the Blitz, the 36ers will have a few weeks to prepare for the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament in Sydney in which they will face European giants Panathinaikos of Greece and Partizan of Serbia.

Mike Wells’ side will then get its NBL26 campaign started by hosting Brisbane at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on the 28th of September.

Tickets for the NBL Blitz are on sale today from Ticketek and cost as little as $5 for kids, $20 for adults, and $40 for families.

NBL Blitz
August 27-31, Canberra

Game 2
Wednesday, 27 August 2025, 8:00pm AEST / 7:30pm ACST
Adelaide 36ers v Illawarra Hawks
AIS Arena

Game 8
Saturday, 30 August 2025, 8:00pm AEST / 7:30pm ACST
Tasmania JackJumpers v Adelaide 36ers
AIS Arena