The Australian Boomers step onto home court in Hobart today as their Trans-Tasman rivalry with the New Zealand Tall Blacks ignites the opening match of a two-game FIBA World Cup Asia Qualifying series, with both clashes to be broadcast live on ESPN.
With qualification for the FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup 2027 officially underway, Australia and New Zealand begin their Group A campaigns, drawn alongside Guam and the Philippines. Each nation will meet its group opponents on a home-and-away basis during the first stage of qualifying, with the top three teams advancing to the next round.
Tonight’s opener sees the Boomers host the Tall Blacks from Hobart, Tasmania, where coverage begins at 7.30pm AEDT on ESPN. Basketball icon Andrew Gaze joins caller John Casey in the commentary box for the first hit-out.
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The series then shifts across the Tasman for Game Two in Wellington, New Zealand, where the teams meet again at 5pm AEDT on Monday December 1, also live on ESPN.
Fans can catch every moment through Disney+, Foxtel, Kayo Sports, Fetch TV and Sky NZ, with ESPN noting its presence across what it describes as the most widely distributed premium sports platform in Australia and New Zealand.
The Boomers are backing continuity, carrying over much of the squad that secured the 2025 Asia Cup crown. A blend of rising prospects and established campaigners has been named, headlined by 17-year-old Dash Daniels, who has made an early-season impact for Melbourne United in the NBL.
Also selected are Josh Bannan, Alex Ducas, Ben Ayre, Angus Glover, Jaylin Galloway, Jordan Hunter, Nick Kay, Keanu Pinder, Elijah Pepper, William Hickey and Jack White.
Across the region, 16 national teams have been placed into four groups for the journey toward FIBA World Cup 2027, which unfolds across six international windows. Only eight nations — including tournament hosts Qatar — will ultimately join the 32-team field competing for the Naismith Trophy.
ESPN will carry all international fixtures featuring both the Australian Boomers and the New Zealand Tall Blacks throughout the qualification campaign, including full coverage of the FIBA World Cup 2027 tournament.
The Australian Boomers face the New Zealand Tall Blacks in Game One of the FIBA World Cup Asia Qualifiers tonight, Friday at 7.30pm AEDT on ESPN, ahead of Game Two on Monday December 1 at 5pm AEDT.
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