In-season tournament to ignite Wednesday nights

The National Basketball League is turning up the heat this season with the launch of the Ignite Cup — a new in-season tournament set to reshape Wednesday nights and add 21 extra games to the basketball schedule. 

Starting from October 8, games will be played each Wednesday night and will count towards the regular season standings. 

Meanwhile, a new quarter-by-quarter scoring system will keep a separate Ignite Cup ladder, culminating in a standalone Ignite Cup Final, played outside of the traditional schedule, with a massive total prize pool of $400,000. 

The winning team will take home $300,000, while the runner-up receives $100,000.

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In a league first, 60 per cent of the prize money will go directly to players, rewarding their performance on-court, and the remaining 40 per cent will go back to the clubs.  

"The Ignite Cup is a huge new chapter for the NBL,” NBL CEO David Stevenson said.

“We’re building something that adds more competitive fire throughout the season, creates more blockbuster games, and brings fresh energy for our fans every single Wednesday night.

“It's high-stakes hoops – and we think fans are going to love it. 

“With 55 sell-out games last season, these new games bring new opportunities for NBL fans to see their teams more often.” 

The Ignite Cup promises to be more than just a new tournament — it’s a celebration of basketball culture. 

Every game will feature a unique game-day experience for fans inside the arena and for those watching at home.  

Adding another layer of excitement to every possession, the Ignite Cup will have a unique scoring system that goes beyond just the final game result. 

While the winning club will still be awarded three points for securing the overall victory, teams also earn one point for each quarter they win. 

In instances where both clubs score an equal number of points in a quarter, a half-point (0.5) will be awarded to each.  

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This innovative format means every quarter becomes a mini-battle, ensuring a high-stakes, competitive atmosphere from tip-off to the final buzzer, as teams vie for crucial points on the dedicated Ignite Cup ladder. 

"Our club are excited about the Ignite Cup and the prospect of playing more games," Sydney Kings coach Brian Goorjian said. 

"We're all competitors, so the fact that we get an extra four games this season, as well as the chance to win another trophy for our fans, is great and something we're all excited to be involved in.” 

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL IGNITE CUP GAME SCHEDULE 

WHY IGNITE CUP MATTERS: 

• Biggest payday ever: $400,000 in prize money, with 60 per cent going directly to players. 
• Real stakes: Every game (not including the Final) counts towards the regular season ladder. 
• Midweek blockbusters: Wednesday nights have unmissable moments. 
• Ignited gameday experience: New entertainment, new energy, and a new way to experience basketball. 
• Every quarter counts: A world-first scoring system ensures constant intensity, with teams battling for ladder points in every quarter, not just the final score. 

With a special location for the Final still to be revealed, as well as some never-before-seen updates to the visual spectacle, the Ignite Cup is about to break new ground for the NBL and Aussie basketball fans.