Kings help NBL smash opening-round records

Basketball is back with a bang, as the Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League (NBL) soared across all subscription and streaming platforms in a record-breaking opening round, with an added record of the most attendees in League history.

The seven games broadcast from Thursday to Sunday, including the Kings' 15-point win over the Hawks, achieved more than 40 per cent year-on-year increase in average audience on ESPN, via Kayo Sports and Foxtel. 
 
“The demand and appetite for the NBL has never been higher and that is highlighted by these historic audience numbers for our opening round of games,” NBL CEO David Stevenson said. 

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“To be up more than 40 per cent on last year shows the significant amount of awareness and traction we have generated and the desire for elite basketball content in Australia and New Zealand.
 
“These numbers are tremendously encouraging, and when you consider the current growth trajectory of the league – there’s no doubting basketball is one of the fastest-growing sports.
 
“The competitiveness of the NBL has sky-rocketed, and the calibre of players has reached new heights. 

“Our Next Stars program has a record eight players all with genuine NBA draft potential, including Alexandre Sarr who could be the number one pick, and there are dozens of other players who also have chances of making it to the big-time.”

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On top of setting a new viewership benchmark, the League also smashed its round one attendance record with almost 51,000 fans pouring through the gates.
 
“We welcomed an amazing 50,934 fans, eclipsing our previous best of 48,820 set in 2018/19,” Stevenson added.

“This is yet another significant moment in the NBL’s history and cements our League as one of the hottest tickets on the Australian and New Zealand summer sporting calendar.
 
“There is nothing like going to an NBL game and I want to thank our players, clubs and fans for helping to create a truly unique and wonderful family-friendly experience.”