Zion Williamson & the Pelicans head to Australia to take on NBL squads Melbourne United & South East Melbourne Phoenix
What is the NBA × NBL Melbourne Series?
History is being made in Melbourne! For the first time ever, an NBA team is stepping onto Australian soil to compete. The New Orleans Pelicans are heading down under to clash with NBL powerhouses Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix. Alongside the games, fans will get access to exclusive events, open training, and an unforgettable Fan Night experience.
What teams are playing?
- New Orleans Pelicans (NBA)
- Melbourne United (NBL)
- South East Melbourne Phoenix (NBL)
Pelicans stars scheduled to appear include:
- Zion Williamson (two-time NBA All-Star)
- Dejounte Murray (2022 All-Star)
- Jordan Poole (2022 NBA Champion)
Why are NBA teams playing NBL teams?
In recent years, seven NBL teams traveled to the U.S. to play 24 preseason games against NBA teams, strengthening the bond between the leagues. Now, the New Orleans Pelicans are bringing the NBA to Melbourne, playing two preseason games against NBL teams in Melbourne, marking the first NBA games ever in Australia.
This series gives fans a rare chance to see local NBL teams go head-to-head with NBA stars and highlight the growing partnership between the NBA and NBL.
Where are the games being played?
All the action lands at Rod Laver Arena, the iconic Melbourne venue best known for hosting the Australian Open. This October, it transforms into basketball’s biggest stage in the Southern Hemisphere.
What is the schedule?
| Date (2025) | Event | Melbourne Time (AEST) | U.S. Eastern (ET) |
| Thu, Oct 2 | Pelicans Open Training | 1:00 p.m. AEST | 11:00 p.m. ET (Oct 1) |
| Fri, Oct 3 | Pelicans vs. Melbourne United | 7:30 p.m. AEST | 5:30 a.m. ET |
| Sat, Oct 4 | Fan Night | 6:00 p.m. AEST | 4:00 a.m. ET |
| Sun, Oct 5 | Pelicans vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix | 2:00 p.m. AEST | 12:00 a.m. ET (midnight) |
Key Headlines to Watch
1. A hoops hotbed Down Under
A year ago, NBA opening-night rosters featured a record-tying 125 international players, including a record 13 from Australia, which ranked third among countries outside the U.S. with the most NBA players behind Canada (21) and France (14).
That record could be topped again this year as training camp rosters feature 14 Australian players competing to secure an Opening Day roster spot by the Oct. 20 deadline.
These two exhibition games against NBL teams will give NBA fans (and scouts) an opportunity to see more up-and-coming talent from Down Under. One such player is Melbourne United’s Dash Daniels — the younger brother of Hawks forward and reigning Kia Most Improved Player, Dyson Daniels
2. First glance at new-look Pelicans
Coming off a 21-61 season that was derailed by injuries to key players, the Pelicans have retooled their roster ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
In addition to getting Zion Williamson (limited to 52 games, back), Herb Jones (limited to 20 games, shoulder) and Trey Murphy III (limited to 29 games, shoulder) back healthy, the Pelicans acquired Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey from Washington and signed veteran Kevon Looney – a three-time champion in Golden State, including one alongside Poole – this summer. They also added a pair of lottery picks in the 2025 Draft, including Jeremiah Fears (who should see time in Australia) and Derik Queen (who is out with a wrist injury.
These two exhibitions will give head coach Willie Green a chance to experiment with rotations as he looks to build on-court chemistry among the returning players and new faces. How quickly things come together will go a long way toward determining New Orleans’ ceiling this season.
3. Zion ready to compete
On Wednesday in Melbourne, Williamson and Green participated in an introductory press conference alongside players and coaches from the NBL teams the Pelicans will face this week.
When asked what he expects when it’s time to attack the basket during the first two NBA preseason games ever played on Australian soil.
“I’ve watched film on a lot of these guys, and both teams are competitors,” he said. “I know we’re having a good time joking up here, but I know once we step on the court both teams are going to try to go at each other and try to make something happen. So, if I’m going up the middle of the lane, I don’t expect anybody to move out of the way.”
“Basketball has brought the Pelicans to Australia and we’re looking to go out there and compete, and just have a great time,” Williamson added. “As far as what I’m going to do, if I can get a fast break, I might have fun with it … or I might just lay it in, we don’t know.”
Where can I watch the games?
- Fans worldwide can stream the action live on NBA League Pass.
- Local broadcast/streaming details in Australia will be announced closer to the date.
Is there an open training session?
Yes. On Thursday, October 2, fans can step inside Rod Laver Arena for a special Pelicans Open Training session. Watch the stars warm up for battle, hear from the players, and soak in the pregame energy.
When is Fan Night?
Fan Night, Saturday, October 4, is more than basketball. It’s a celebration of hoops culture. Expect performances, contests, interactive experiences, and maybe even a few surprises from your favorite players.
How do I get tickets?
Secure your spot through Ticketek. Tickets are available for every event: the games, the training session, and Fan Night. Act fast as quantities are limited, and history doesn’t repeat itself.
