Cairns 2026-27 Schedule Arrives

The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans’ 2026-27 schedule has been revealed, with Jack McVeigh set to lead the team in their first game on 20 September in Sydney; before a thrilling home opener hosting former Taipan Taran Armstrong on 23 September.

Cairns’ first game of the season falls on the same date as last year (20 September) and the Taipans will host their first home game (23 September) on a Wednesday night at the Cairns Convention Centre against the Tasmania JackJumpers.

The new-look squad will then spend five of their following six games on the road, travelling to Adelaide, Auckland, Illawarra, and Melbourne twice.

Returning to Cairns for their clash with New Zealand on 25 October, it marks the start of nine home games across a 13-game stretch, including the Taipans’ first home* Ignite Cup game of the season.  

The 2026-27 NBL schedule will again feature the Ignite Cup tournament on Wednesday nights, as well as four themed league rounds: Hungry Jack’s Rookie Round (October 29 – November 2), Indigenous Round (November 19 –2 2) Pride Round (January 7 – 12) with one round still to be confirmed.

The end of 2026 will see the Taipans visit Melbourne and Brisbane before a classic New Year’s Eve game, when Cairns face the New Zealand Breakers to ring in 2027.

Taipans CEO Mark Beecroft said he was pleased to retain the beloved NYE event, as well as a variety of games from Wednesday – Sunday, ensuring a range of options for all fans.

“The number one priority every season is securing the New Year’s Eve game at the Cairns Convention Centre. We know what it does for the community and all the businesses throughout the CBD, and we’ll continue to make it the best live entertainment that Far North Queensland has to offer,” he said.

“The second priority was getting a schedule that suits our fanbase, and Saturday afternoons are now our most popular timeslot. We’ll get four Saturday games, three family-friendly Sunday fixtures as well as three Friday nights, so hopefully there’s something for everyone. 

“I know the Orange Army have been waiting for the schedule to arrive, and this is just the beginning of some exciting developments that will also be revealed very soon.”

Beginning the new year with a traditional trip to Illawarra, the Taipans will be back to host Tasmania before Australasia’s biggest basketball festival, HoopsFest (January 13–17) where they will face Melbourne United at RAC Arena in Perth.

The Taipans will complete a southern swing to Tasmania then New Zealand, before rounding out the regular season with three homes games (including a second home* Ignite Cup fixture) and one more trip to Perth.

All games will be broadcast on ESPN, with 39 matchups across the league on the Nine Network. To secure your seats for 14 home games in Cairns, head to tickets.taipans.com and click HERE to download the home/away printable PDF.

*Taipans Ignite Cup games location – TBC

REGULAR SEASON – KEY DATES

Season starts: Saturday 20 September (@ Kings)

First home game: Wednesday 23 September (vs JackJumpers)

Ignite Cup games: Wednesday 30 September (@ Breakers), 9 December (vs 36ers), 23 December (@ United) and 27 January (vs Kings)

Non-membership games: Wednesday 9 December (vs 36ers, venue TBC), and Wednesday 27 January (vs Sydney, venue TBC)

Flagship fixture: Thursday 31 December (vs Breakers)

Queensland derbies: Thursday 8 October (vs Bullets), Thursday 29October (@ Bullets), Saturday 12 December (vs Bullets) and Sunday 27 December (@ Bullets)

HoopsFest: Wednesday 13 January (vs United in Perth)

Last game: Friday 12 February (vs 36ers)

SYNC THE SCHEDULE TO YOUR CALENDAR