From Ringwood to the NBL: Matt Hickey makes commentary debut

One of NBL1 South’s familiar voices reached a special career milestone in last night’s NBL game, with Ringwood's Matt Hickey making his commentary debut as the Perth Wildcats hosted the Illawarra Hawks.

For the Ringwood Hawks commentator and host of The NBL1 Show, the opportunity marked another step in a broadcasting journey built through a longstanding connection to basketball.

Hickey’s story began on the court at Ringwood, where he combined playing Big V basketball with commentary before continuing behind the microphone after his Youth Championship playing days ended.

That connection grew into calling Ringwood’s NBL1 South home games, bringing the competition’s players, clubs and stories to audiences each week.

His progression has also taken him onto the national stage. Hickey has been part of every NBL1 National Finals, including calling the inaugural men’s championship game in 2022.

From those first National Finals to this year’s tournament in Adelaide, he has continued to represent NBL1 South as the competition’s best teams come together to compete for national honours.

Away from game day, Hickey has helped bring the league’s stories to life as host of The NBL1 Show, sharing the desk with Bec Cole during the 2026 season.

His broadcasting year also included being part of the commentary team at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Last night brought another milestone as he took his place on an NBL game broadcast for the first time.

For NBL1 South, Hickey’s debut is a moment to celebrate the opportunities that extend beyond the court. The competition provides a place for commentators to develop their craft, build experience and take their next step alongside the players, coaches and officials whose journeys they cover.

From Ringwood home games to National Finals and now the NBL, Hickey’s journey is one the NBL1 South community can celebrate.

Congratulations, Matt, from everyone across NBL1 South.