The NBL's recent takeover of the administration of the WNBL has allowed for a seamless synergy of fixturing and opened up the opportunity for the city of Perth to host nine games of basketball over a four-day period during the January school holidays.
The inaugural Hoopsfest in September 2024 was deemed to be a commercial success, though the WNBL was in its pre-season period and its players therefore sidelined to play exhibition basketball during the festival.
Shifting the next Hoopsfest to January 2026 will therefore ensure the occasion is a mid-season celebration of basketball for both the men and women, with the holiday period also likely to contribute to significant ticket sales.
The Perth Scorchers Big Bash League and Women's Big Bash League teams both experience a significant upturn in crowds during the school holiday period, making it a very shrewd change from NBL management.
Moving the competition to Perth during the Australian Open also assists with the annual difficulties the league has in losing both Rod Laver Arena and John Cain Arena to tennis for more than three weeks.
Venues are yet to be confirmed but will include Perth Arena for the marquee matches as well as potentially the Bendat Basketball Centre and Perth High Performance Centre, though the Perth Arena could host double-headers on both the Saturday and Sunday to maximise capacity.
Thursday 15 January:
Sydney Kings vs Brisbane Bullets
Friday 16 January:
Geelong United vs Sydney Flames
Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks
Saturday 17 January:
Southside Flyers vs Adelaide Lightning
Cairns Taipans vs New Zealand Breakers
Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers
Sunday 18 January: