The 2026-27 Hungry Jack’s NBL season tips off tonight, with Melbourne United taking on the Adelaide 36ers before the Perth Wildcats face South East Melbourne Phoenix in the first NBL Saturday Slam.
The new Saturday night coverage marks the first NBL games to air under the league’s new free-to-air partnership with Nine, with the broadcaster showing every Saturday game live and free on 9Go! and 9Now throughout the season.
The season follows the NBL Blitz, which saw all 10 teams hit the court across the pre-season tournament in August ahead of the regular season.
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The opening game sees Melbourne United host last season’s runners-up Adelaide at John Cain Arena from 7.30pm AEST, with NBA veteran Joe Ingles making his United debut alongside new recruit Cole Anthony.
Six-time MVP Bryce Cotton will headline the 36ers, although Adelaide will be without Isaac Humphries and John Jenkins for the season opener.
Coverage then heads west for the second game, with the Perth Wildcats hosting South East Melbourne Phoenix at RAC Arena from 9.30pm AEST.
Kristian Doolittle will be among the key players for Perth, while the Phoenix will be without star guard Nathan Sobey after he was ruled out with back tightness.
NBL Saturday Slam: Round 1
Melbourne United v Adelaide 36ers
7.30pm AEST — Live on 9Go! and 9Now
Perth Wildcats v South East Melbourne Phoenix
9.30pm AEST — Live on 9Go! and 9Now
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The Saturday coverage forms part of the NBL’s broader broadcast deal, with games also continuing across ESPN and ESPN on Disney+ during the 2026-27 season.
Nine will also air NBL Overtime each Monday night from 6.30pm AEST on 9Go! and 9Now, with Felix Von Hofe, Pete Hooley, Damon Lowery and Derek Rucker reviewing the weekend’s action and looking ahead to the next round.
The NBL Saturday Slam gets underway tonight from 7.30pm AEST on 9Go! and 9Now, with the Wildcats and Phoenix following at 9.30pm.
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