Taipans to hub in Melbourne for 'NBL Cup'

The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans are headed to Melbourne in February to take part in a month-long “NBL Cup” as part of a prosperous partnership between the league and the Victorian Government, with all nine teams competing for a chance to win $150,000 in prize money.

No schedule has been released for the NBL Cup however each team will play each other once and the results of the total 36 games will count towards the 2021 season record, with standard ladder methodology.

Similar to the pre-season NBL Blitz, teams will be awarded three points for a win and an extra point awarded for each quarter won. At the conclusion of the hub, the team with the most points will win the cup and the $150, 000 prize. The runner-up team will receive $100,000 and third place $50,000.

Following the cup, clubs will return to their respective home venues and complete the remainder of the NBL home and away season. Subject to COVID and scheduling issues, the NBL’s intention is for all teams to still host their customary 14 home games during the regular season, over and above the games played in the NBL Melbourne Hub.

 The Taipans will play eight home games in the first five rounds, starting January 19 at the Cairns Pop-Up Arena; and will host another six regular season games in Cairns.

NBL Owner and Executive Chairman Larry Kestelman said: “These games will form part of an expanded NBL Season and give fans a chance to watch all of the league’s stars in what will be a showcase of world class basketball featuring all nine NBL teams.

“As permitted attendances hopefully increase up to 75 per cent in Victoria by early next year, this will be a great opportunity for tens of thousands of fans to enjoy a unique basketball event for Melbourne and Australia.”

The Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Jaclyn Symes said: “Victorians love their basketball and there couldn’t be a better place for the NBL to tip off its season.

“This will give fans the chance to see more top-level games and world class players than ever and we’ll ensure it’s done safely in accordance with the latest public health advice.”

NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said each team would be scheduled to play eight extra games during the regular season than they would normally.

“Playing these extra games in Victoria will provide us with valuable time for restrictions on crowd numbers to continue to be eased around the country, hopefully allowing more fans to see their teams play at home. It also enables us to accumulate more games in an accelerated format should any unexpected issues arise later in the season,” he said.

All games will be broadcast live on SBS and ESPN.