Nothing but net growth: NBL1 smashes records in 2026

The NBL1 enjoyed a record-breaking 2026 season, further cementing its place as Australia’s elite community basketball competition.

Impressions across NBL1 streaming, the NBL1 App, websites and social media surpassed 158 million, headlining a year of growth across almost every key metric.

NBL1 General Manager Tyrone Thwaites said the growth reflected the competition’s uniqueness in Australian sport and thanked those who had helped it thrive.

“NBL1 is Australia’s elite product for community basketball and is unique in the way it brings the professional and community games together, unlike any other sport,” Thwaites said.

“To see impressions grow by more than a third in a single season shows how strongly that connection is resonating with fans right across the country.

“I want to thank our states and clubs for the incredible work they put in week in, week out, and our players for the talent and effort they bring to the court.

“The size and scale of what they deliver is unmatched anywhere else in the country.”

In 2026, 1,504 NBL1 games were played between 143 teams from 72 clubs, with more than 2,300 players taking part, a reflection of the League’s scale and impact nationwide.

Fans followed those 143 teams closely across all five conferences, with NBL1 streaming recording 39 million minutes watched during the 2026 season.

NBL1’s ‘Kayo Freebies’ were a big hit, drawing around three times the average viewers of events streamed outside Kayo Sports and more than double the average minutes watched per event.

Thwaites said NBL1’s broadcast and streaming partners were a key part of the League’s growth strategy, putting the competition in front of more eyes.

“Our broadcast and streaming partners play a vital role in getting NBL1 in front of fans wherever they are,” Thwaites said.

“The way people are engaging with the games, whether it’s on Kayo Sports or our own platforms, is a measure of the quality of the on-court product our athletes deliver.”

Beyond its engaged streaming audience, NBL1’s digital footprint grew, with app downloads up 13%, app and web page views up 19% and social reach up 44%.

With the 2027 season approaching, the focus is on consolidating this growth and reaching new heights, together with the states, clubs, players and partners.

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