Basketball's premier festival has found its home in the west, with NBL owner Larry Kestelman declaring Perth the ideal long-term host for the blockbuster HoopsFest event. The four-day basketball extravaganza, held at RAC Arena in mid-January 2026, saw a remarkable 25 per cent increase in attendance, drawing more than 35,000 passionate fans through the gates.
Perth's Passion Seals the Deal for Future Events
Kestelman left no doubt about his intentions, stating he wants HoopsFest to return to Perth for a third consecutive season next year. The event featured all 10 NBL and eight WNBL teams competing under one roof, a format that proved wildly successful after being moved from its previous September slot into the heart of the January school holidays.
"It is much bigger and better than last year. We want it to be back here," Kestelman told The West Australian. He praised the city's unmatched sporting culture, highlighting a packed Saturday that also featured Sail GP and cricket. "Perth loves sport and loves an event so we're very happy to be here."
The league invested significantly in the spectacle, transforming RAC Arena with a massive screen, dynamic graphics, and special player entry sequences. However, Kestelman acknowledged the critical role of government support, noting the logistical and financial challenges of bringing every team to Perth.
Iverson's Star Power and Global Hype
A major catalyst for the event's hype was the attendance of former NBA superstar Allen Iverson, following in the footsteps of Carmelo Anthony's visit the previous season. Kestelman placed immense value on this global exposure, estimating the images of Iverson in Perth generated "tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars worth of exposure" worldwide.
The star-studded sidelines also included prominent NBL fan Dannii Minogue, who was courtside for every game supporting her teams, Melbourne United and the Southside Melbourne Flyers. Players from Fremantle and West Coast AFL clubs were also among the spectators, alongside a host of basketball identities from across Australia.
Players, Coaches, and Fans Give Unanimous Praise
The feedback from all involved was overwhelmingly positive. Fans like Melissa Woods from Bibra Lake highlighted the unique value. "You see more teams, you see both the men and the women and you can sit much closer to the court for less money than usual," she said.
WNBL players relished the opportunity to perform on the big stage at RAC Arena, while coaches embraced the unique atmosphere. South East Melbourne Phoenix coach Josh King, experiencing the event for the first time, called it "a lot of fun" and described Perth as one of his favourite road trips.
With staggering growth, iconic guest appearances, and a city that embraces major events, the future of HoopsFest appears firmly tied to Western Australia. The slam dunk success of the 2026 edition has set a high bar, and all signs point to Perth centre court for seasons to come.
