The Pelicans will play two preseason games against NBL teams in Melbourne this October, marking the first NBA games in Australia, according to a team press release.
The NBA has played numerous games, preseason and regular season, in Europe. There have also been preseason games in Japan and China, but these games will be on a new continent.
The Pelicans will play Melbourne United on Oct. 3 and South East Melbourne Phoenix in Oct. 5.
“The significance of this announcement for basketball in Australia and the NBL can’t be overstated,” NBL Executive Director Larry Kestelman said. “Hosting an NBA team in Australia has been a long-held dream for everyone at the NBL, and to see this initiative finally come to fruition after a 15-year journey shows that much can be accomplished when you dream big.”
Pelicans executive VP David Griffin indicated that the club will spend a significant portion of their training camp Down Under as well, he told Olgun Uluc of ESPN (Twitter link).
“The one thing we will do that will be unprecedented, is we’re gonna do a good portion – maybe not all of – but we’re gonna try be here prior to the games for a good portion of our training camp,” Griffin said. “Our full roster will be in attendance. These games will be really meaningful to us.”
The announcement builds on the NBA and NBL’s prior collaborations that began in 2016. Seven NBL teams have traveled to the U.S. to play 24 preseason games against NBA teams.
Melbourne United will give them a run for their money…go Delly!
Zion has been ruled out of those games already.