Breakers to Return to Gold Coast for Blitz

Off the back of the biggest and best Blitz in history, the NBL is proud to announce its pre-season tournament will return to the Gold Coast in September. 

Fans from all 10 teams will get their first look at the revamped rosters, while coaches and players will fine-tune their gameplans for the campaign. 

The basketball world came to the Gold Coast last year with more than 40 NBA scouts from 27 teams getting their first glimpse at the four NBL Next Stars selected in last week’s draft, including number two pick Alex Sarr. 

The Gold Coast will again host the interest of the international basketball industry, as the Blitz remains a crucial scouting trip to assess the new crop of NBL teams and Next Stars talent.

“We look forward to welcoming the exciting and competitive NBL Blitz back to the Gold Coast,” Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said.

“After last year’s hugely successful event, it will be even bigger and better in 2024.”

The Blitz will run from September 7-14 with games being played in both the Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium and Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre. 

Fans can pre-register their interest now to receive early access to tickets on Monday, July 22, and secure the best seats to watch their favourite teams and players. Click here to pre-register.

The remainder of tickets will be available to the general public via Ticketek from Wednesday, July 24, with prices starting from $10 for children.

“It’s fantastic to see the NBL Blitz on the Gold Coast again this year, with local fans being treated to world class basketball,” Queensland Sport Minister Michael Healy said.

“The event looks set to become a permanent fixture on the calendar with the potential of providing a significant annual boost to the local economy.

“Additionally, seeing basketball stars up close and watching the games live, can inspire the community to get out, give it a go and be more active themselves.

“The NBL does a terrific job with this tournament and hopefully it will provide the impetus for the Gold Coast to again have its own team in the NBL.”

NBL COO, Vince Crivelli, emphasised how the Blitz would provide further proof of the demand for elite level hoops in the region.

“The Blitz provides the growing and passionate participation base here on the Coast another chance to vote with their feet and show their appetite for more permanent NBL content on the Gold Coast,” he said.

“We are excited to continue our journey with all our partners and stakeholders on the development of basketball in the Gold Coast region. We are committed to maximising the potential of the NBL in the city and will keep evolving our conversations with the relevant stakeholders.”

Crivelli added how significant the event is on the global basketball calendar. 

“It can’t be underestimated how important the Blitz is for the global basketball market particularly the NBA teams in their planning and preparation for the 2025 draft cycle,” Crivelli said.

“The Next Stars program is as strong as ever, and the Blitz gives NBA teams a chance to assess the incredible talent in the program.”

The NBL Blitz is proudly supported by Experience Gold Coast.

“Basketball fans turned out in their tens of thousands last year making the Gold Coast’s NBL Blitz the biggest and most successful in its history, it is only fitting to see it return to our city in 2024,” Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said. 

“Not only does this action-packed tournament provide another great reason for families to visit the Gold Coast but it showcases our world-class sporting destination to a global audience of NBA scouts and fans.”