Bullets to Head to Melbourne as part of NBL Hub

The Brisbane Bullets can confirm they will head to Melbourne for a month long ‘Hub’, from February 20, 2021.

The NBL and the Victorian Government today announced that 36 games will be played in a Melbourne Hub. The 36 games will count towards the 2020-21 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season and, in a first for the league, will also decide the winner of the inaugural NBL Cup with total prize money of $300,000 up for grabs.

The NBL’s intention, subject to COVID and scheduling issues, is for teams to host their customary 14 home games during the regular season, over and above the games played in the NBL Melbourne Hub.

At the completion of the NBL Melbourne Hub, clubs will return to their respective home venues and complete the remainder of the NBL home and away season.

“In consultation with the NBL, relevant Government departments and the team itself, we understand the need for a hub to be formed,” CEO Peter McLennan said.  

“As it stands, we’re looking forward to the first six home games at Nissan Arena that our members and fans can attend. It’ll be good to play in front of our home fans before heading into the hub.  

“The season is presenting some challenges but one thing you can be certain about is that the Brisbane Bullets are committed to doing everything we can to ensure NBL21 is a success.

“We appreciate the commitment from our playing and coaching staff to move away from home to keep the competition going. With two new imports Vic Law and Orlando Johnson to soon arrive, it’ll be a great opportunity for the team to spend the time together and grow as a group.”

NBL Owner and Executive Chairman Larry Kestelman said:

“I want to thank the Victorian Government for partnering with us to bring the Hungry Jack’s NBL to Melbourne for what will be the biggest ever event we have staged in one city.

“These games will form part of an expanded NBL Season and give fans a chance to watch all of the league’s stars in what will be a showcase of world class basketball featuring all nine NBL teams.”

NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said each team would be scheduled to play eight extra games during the regular season than they would normally.

“Playing these extra games in Victoria will provide us with valuable time for restrictions on crowd numbers to continue to be eased around the country, hopefully allowing more fans to see their teams play at home. It also enables us to accumulate more games in an accelerated format should any unexpected issues arise later in the season,” he said.