The Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season burst into action last night as the Tasmanian JackJumpers hosted Melbourne United in a blockbuster opener at MyState Bank Arena. But, while the intensity on court gripped fans, the National Basketball League is making headlines for the wave of new and renewed partnerships powering the sport’s continued growth.
As the sport continues to grow in interest across the country, the NBL is aligning itself with brands that reflect its booming fan base and rising influence in Australian sport.
NBL Dabbles In AI With Sportradar
The NBL has announced a new, multi-year agreement with Sportradar, a global sports technology company focused on creating immersive experiences for sports fans. Under the agreement, Sportradar will serve as the exclusive distributor of the league’s official data and AV content, including live game streams, to its global network of clients, while also leveraging its industry-leading technologies to further strengthen and expand the league.
Sportradar will enhance the value of official data by applying its AI-powered technology to deliver innovative solutions that bring fans closer to the action, protect the integrity of the game and elevate performance on the court. Specifically, Sportradar will create dynamic basketball content across broadcast, digital, and in venue channels to deepen fan engagement; deploy its best-in-class integrity services, including Universal Fraud Detection System (UFDS AI), to monitor global betting activity as well as provide investigative support; and, deliver real-time analytics and deeper insights from game data to help clubs, coaches, and players improve performance.
NBL Group CEO David Stevenson said: “This strategic agreement marks an important step forward in the NBL’s mission to deliver a premier basketball experience for fans, athletes, and stakeholders around the world. We look forward to working with Sportradar to create a richer, more dynamic basketball experience across every touchpoint for our global audience.”
Ben Turner, Sportradar’s Head of Sports Content and Partnerships APAC and Head of Global Basketball, added: “We are pleased to work with the NBL, one of the fastest growing and most innovative basketball leagues in the world, to unlock new opportunities that grow the game. Together, we are advancing the way the game is experienced, played and protected.”
Mortgage Choice Backs the Next Generation of Fans
The biggest new signing comes in the form of Mortgage Choice, named an official partner of the league. With more than 72% of NBL fans aged 16 to 44, a key first-home buyer demographic, the partnership represents a natural alignment between the league and Australia’s number one mortgage brokerage.
Through the partnership, Mortgage Choice will have a significant presence across all regular season and finals games of the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season. Fans can expect to see in-stadium branding, activations, digital amplification, and the launch of an exciting consumer promotion to be revealed soon.
NBL Group CEO, David Stevenson, said the partnership brings together two brands united by community and growth.
“We’re pleased to welcome Mortgage Choice to the NBL family as we prepare for another massive season. This partnership is about more than branding – it’s about shared connection, beliefs and ambition. I’d like to personally thank Anthony Waldron and the entire Mortgage Choice team for their support of the NBL, and we look forward to creating something special together for our fans this season.”
Anthony Waldron, chief executive officer Mortgage Choice said, “as part of our continued investment in our brand, and with a new campaign in market, we were looking for a partner that would help us connect with communities right across the country. With basketball being the fastest growing sport in Australia, the NBL is aligned in its reach, values and ambition, making it a fantastic partner for us.”
Foot Locker Doubles Down on Player Connection
The National Basketball League (NBL) has extended its valued partnership with Foot Locker. Foot Locker will again be the presenting partner of the Player of the Game with each recipient awarded a $250 gift card.
“Foot Locker has been a long-standing partner of the League, and its commitment has played a huge role in building stronger connections between players and fans,” NBL chief partnerships officer Shenae Beus said.
“The Player of the Game has become a staple, and shows the impact Foot Locker continues to have on the game, on and off the court.”
Foot Locker Asia Pacific senior director, marketing, Brendan Graham said: “The Foot Locker Player of the Game award has become an authentic piece of the NBL player and fan experience, both through broadcast and social media. We consistently get feedback about how much players love winning a $250 Foot Locker Gift Card – and are excited to do this for another season as the league continues to grow in scale and impact.
“The NBL’s style of play means the Player of the Game is someone who made a difference on both ends of the floor. So, it is an accolade that nicely complements the other investments Foot Locker makes into basketball at emerging levels, such as our NBL1 Player of the Week sponsorship; our naming rights partnerships with Basketball Australia and Basketball New Zealand national junior tournaments; and the ‘Foot Locker Defensive Player of the Tournament’ awards we issue at each of these junior competitions.”
To celebrate the new season and the partnership, FootLocker is also giving back to the fans. From September 14 to October 10, 2025, customers who spend $300 or more online or in-store in a single transaction can receive $40 off their next purchase. To redeem, fans can apply the code FL40 at checkout on footlocker.com.au or footlocker.co.nz, or simply mention the promotion in-store (T&Cs and exclusions apply).
Midea Extends Its Court-to-Home Connection
Smart home giant Midea is continuing its partnership, linking the thrills of game day with everyday living. Together, the NBL and Midea will celebrate the big wins and small moments that matter, both on the court and in homes across Australia and New Zealand.
Midea’s commitment to innovation and consumer-first solutions aligns seamlessly with the NBL’s mission to deliver high-energy entertainment and connect with fans. This partnership will amplify Midea’s growing presence in Australia and New Zealand, showcasing its cutting-edge products, including air conditioners, small appliances, refrigerators, and laundry solutions, to basketball fans and consumers alike.
“With more eyeballs on the NBL than ever before, we are looking forward to strengthening our partnership with Midea to further engage with and reward new and existing fans, and consumers to grow the profiles of both organisations,” Beus said.
“Midea is a valued partner and like us, it is fan and consumer-first. We will continue to seek ways to grow our fan and consumer base together.”
“Midea’s commitment to innovation and consumer-first solutions aligns seamlessly with the NBL’s mission to deliver high-energy entertainment and connect with fans,” said Ivan Ma, General Manager Australia & New Zealand, Midea International Business.
“This partnership will amplify Midea’s growing presence in Australia and New Zealand, showcasing our cutting-edge products, including air conditioners, refrigerators, laundry, kitchen appliances, floor care, small appliances, and even renewable energy solutions, to basketball fans and consumers alike. Midea is committed to supporting the NBL’s continued growth, as we share the same customer-first values and passion for bringing innovation to life.”
Dabble Joins as Official Wagering Partner
The National Basketball League (NBL) has announced a new partnership with Dabble, Australia’s leading social-first betting platform, ahead of the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Season.
The partnership unites one of the fastest-growing sports leagues in the country with a digital brand that has redefined how Australians interact with sport and betting. Known for its innovative approach, Dabble combines social media-style features with betting, enabling users to follow, share and copy bets in real time, creating an engaging, community-driven experience.
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NBL Group CEO, David Stevenson said the partnership reflects the league’s commitment to connecting with fans in new and exciting ways.
“The NBL is all about creating experiences that bring fans closer to the game. Dabble shares that same vision, building community through interaction and conversation. The agreement builds on the NBL’s ongoing growth as a premier sports and entertainment property. With record attendances, broadcast viewership, and digital engagement, we’re proud that the league continues to attract bold and innovative partners that share our ambition. We’re excited to welcome Dabble to the NBL family and look forward to delivering unique activations that enhance the game-day experience for fans across Australia and New Zealand. My thanks to the entire Dabble team for their support and efforts in growing our community.”
Emilie Jirsch, Dabble chief marketing officer said: “it just makes sense for the fastest growing sports betting app to partner with the fastest growing sport in Australia. Dabble and the NBL have a shared vision to revolutionise experiences for the next generation of sports fans. Together, we’re excited to connect basketball fans to the action in ways that feel seamless, social and interactive.”
Choice Hotels Delivers Comfort for Travelling Fans
With basketball participation at record levels, Choice Hotels has signed on to support travelling families and fans.
Choice Hotels joins the league as an official partner, presenting the perfect opportunity for travelling fans and basketball families who follow their teams or take part in competitions around the country.
“The NBL is experiencing unprecedented growth, not only at the professional level but also in grassroots participation, particularly among young players,” explained Beus.
“Partnering with Choice Hotels allows us to better support our fans, families and the wider basketball community by making travel to games and tournaments more convenient and comfortable. We’re thrilled to have them on board for NBL26 and beyond.”
“This partnership is more than a branding move for us, it’s about aligning with a fastgrowing, high energy sport that shares our values of bold ambition, community connection and delivering unforgettable experiences,” said Kari Hunter, Choice Hotels Asia-Pac senior director, commercial and revenue management.
The partnership ensures that fans travelling to support their favourite teams will benefit from the accessibility and reach of Choice Hotels’ extensive network across Australia and New Zealand, while also aligning the NBL with an organisation that shares its values of community, connection and excellence.
Tangerine Keeps Fans Connected
Tangerine, the challenger telco, will remain the NBL’s exclusive telco sponsor and a major partner, bringing fresh digital activations to the season.
This season will also see the launch of the Tangerine Slam Game, a retro style arcade basketball game featuring Peely dunking against his lemon nemesis. Inspired by the Tangerine and NBL partnership, the game is designed to drive deeper engagement with fans. Built for both mobile and desktop, it can be shared across social media and will feature throughout the season in twenty in-game activations on arena big screens.
Tangerine will also share in the popular NBL Dunk of the Week this season, where fans can vote for their favourite dunk of the week to win Tangerine prize packs.
“Tangerine is a challenger brand built on innovation, growth and community connection, so it feels like a natural fit to continue the partnership and grow alongside the league and its passionate fans,” said Andy Branson, CEO and Co-Founder.
With these partners on court, the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season promises bold off-court activations that bring fans closer to the game, the players, and the brands behind them.
Fans can catch every game live on ESPN, with Sunday broadcasts also airing free on Channel 10.
