Stream Every NBL27 Game Live on Disney+

The 2027 National Basketball League returns with a huge opening round with six games in four days

NBL27 is set to be the biggest NBL season ever with legend Joe Ingles returning from the NBA, Bryce Cotton seeking championship redemption, Kendric Davis hunting the MVP, Cole Anthony and a number of new faces lighting up the league and the Sydney Kings looking to defend their crown from an imposing chasing pack.

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Where Can I Watch NBL27 in New Zealand? 

Watch every NBL27 moment live and on-demand with ESPN on Disney+.

Stream NBL27 with ESPN on Disney+

When does the NBL27 season start? 

NBL27 begins on Saturday, September 19 with an explosive live double-header, starting with Melbourne United facing the Adelaide 36ers. 

Get up to speed before diving in with the NBL Slam Season Preview on Disney+. 

Watch NBL27: The Season Begins on Disney+

The NBL27 Opening Round – Teams & Players to Look Out For

Melbourne United Star Power Meets Adelaide’s Redemption Bid 

Melbourne United enters the new campaign with a star-studded squad, headlined by the acquisition of former NBA guard Cole Anthony and Australian basketball legend, Joe Ingles, who is returning to the league after a decade in the NBA.

After falling short of the playoffs last season, United have undergone significant change and the big name signings will bring big expectations.

The Adelaide 36ers and Bryce Cotton await them on the opening night of the season.

Adelaide fell agonisingly short of a championship last season, going down in overtime of Game Five in the Grand Final series against the Sydney Kings.

Cotton, the six-time MVP remains one of the most devastating individual players in Australian basketball, and after falling short last season, the veteran guard has another opportunity to lead Adelaide deep into the finals.

Perth Wildcats Face a Phoenix on the Rise 

The Wildcats have retained the core of Kristian Doolittle, Dylan Windler, Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., Elijah Pepper and Jesse Wagstaff, while adding veteran big man Angus Brandt and young talent Anthony Dell'Orso.

Doolittle has emerged as one of the league's most complete forwards, capable of scoring, rebounding and defending multiple positions, and could easily include himself in the MVP race.

Dash Daniels has made one of big off-season moves to the South East Melbourne Phoenix, joining Nathan Sobey and imports Skylar Mays, Yannis Morin and D’Shawn Schwartz.

Daniels is arguably the Next Star with the biggest opportunity to make a genuine impact and will have NBA scouts keenly watching the Phoenix progress this season.

New Zealand Breakers Enter a New Era Illawarra Hawks 

New Zealand Breakers begin the season with two games in four days, as they enter a new era under coach Gordon Herbert.

Parker Jackson-Cartwright and returning Dejan Vasiljevic are the intriguing additions in New Zealand.

Sydney Kings Open Their Title Defence

Brian Goorjian's championship-winning group has retained the nucleus of its title-winning roster, including Championship Series MVP Kendric Davis, Matthew Dellavedova, Xavier Cooks, Torrey Craig and Makuach Maluach.

Davis averaged 25.1 points and 7.1 assists during NBL26 and remains one of the league's most explosive offensive weapons. The American will reignite his MVP battle with six-time winner Bryce Cotton

Cairns Taipans loom as an intriguing opening round test for the Kings.

The Taipans have retained Jack McVeigh and Reyne Smith while adding Keanu Pinder, Jaylin Galloway, Jonah Bolden and Jaylon Brown.

NBL Next Star Luke Paul is one of the hottest prospects in the league and after starring for Australia at youth level, he now makes the jump to the NBL.

JackJumpers Defend Home Court 

The JackJumpers know how to win a championship and will again bring the experienced core of Bryce Hamilton, David Johnson and Will Magnay to NBL27.

Brisbane Bullets Chase a Fresh Start 

Brisbane Bullets are undergoing one of the biggest transformations in the league.

Will Weaver takes over as head coach, while Nate Hinton, Jaylin Williams and Arnas Velička headline an influx of new talent.

NBL27 remains one of the most open championship races in recent memory with a host of teams and stars looking to make their mark on the season.

Your Home for Hoops: ESPN’s Extensive Coverage of the NBL 

ESPN will also deliver weekly episodes of Nothing But Net and Nothing But Net: Aussie Hoops with hosts Kane Pitman and Ryan Broekhoff and regular guests including Andrew Gaze, Lenard Copeland, Adelaide 36ers Coach Trevor Gleeson and appearances from current players from the NBA and NBL, throughout the season, ensuring local basketball fans have every angle covered on your 'Home for Hoops’.  

Stream Nothing But Net on ESPN via Disney+

Key Streaming Dates for NBL27 in New Zealand 

NBL27 tips off from Saturday, September 19 on ESPN via Disney+.

Saturday, September 19 

• Melbourne United vs Adelaide 36ers, 9.30pm NZST 

• Perth Wildcats vs South East Melbourne Phoenix, 11.30pm NZST

Sunday. September 20

• New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks, 5pm NZST 

• Sydney Kings vs Cairns Taipans, 7pm NZST

Monday, September 21 

• Tasmania JackJumpers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix, 9.30pm NZST

Tuesday. September 22

• Brisbane Bullets vs New Zealand Breakers, 9.30pm NZST

Watch NBL27 in New Zealand on Disney+ 

Catch every game of the NBL27 season live with ESPN on Disney+. 

Stream the NBL27 Live on Disney+

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The information in this article is correct as at the time of publication. 

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