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The Melbourne Series 2025 will make history, bringing an NBA team to play on Australian soil for the first time. This first will mark the milestone NBAxNBL tournament, where the New Orleans Pelicans will be in two preseason games against local National Basketball League (NBL) heavyweights at the historic Rod Laver Arena. 

Key Event Dates

• October 2: The series begins with the Pelicans Open Training session, which includes a player Q&A.  
• October 3: The first game features Melbourne United vs. the New Orleans Pelicans. 
• October 4: The NBAxNBL Melbourne Series Fan Night will include skills challenges, a 3-point contest, and appearances by NBA legends Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.  
• October 5: The final day includes the Southern Tip Off luncheon and the second game between the South East Melbourne Phoenix and the New Orleans Pelicans.
  

What Australian basketball fans can look forward to

The importance of the New Orleans Pelicans visiting Australia cannot be stressed enough. For years, Aussie fans have woken at odd hours to stream NBA games from across the Pacific and cheered for homegrown heroes like Patty Mills, Josh Giddey, and Josh Green as they made waves in the NBA. NBL teams have traveled overseas to battle NBA squads in preseason exhibitions. But never before has an NBA team landed in Australia to take the floor against our clubs.

To add to its significance, the games are being held at Rod Laver Arena, a storied venue with a seating capacity of 14,500, for events of the highest caliber in sports.  NBL Executive Director and Owner Larry Kestelman says this is the conclusion of a "15-year journey."

The main attraction for many will be Pelicans superstar Zion Williamson, who arrives in Melbourne amid reports of a significant physical transformation. Following an off season that saw the departure of key veterans, the franchise has firmly positioned Williamson as its cornerstone, and this trip serves as the first international showcase of his leadership era. 

The on-court action begins Friday, October 3, with the first historic basketball exhibition game between Melbourne United and the New Orleans Pelicans. On Saturday, October 4, the NBAxNBL Melbourne Series Fan Night will take over Rod Laver Arena, featuring skills challenges, a 3-point contest with players from all three teams, and appearances by NBA legends Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. The series concludes on Sunday, October 5, starting with the exclusive Southern Tip Off: A Louisiana Luncheon, followed by the final game where the South East Melbourne Phoenix will have their historic first-ever matchup against an NBA opponent.

For young Aussie hoopers, seeing the Pelicans live could be life-changing. For long-time fans, it’s the dream of witnessing NBA basketball without boarding a plane. For the NBL, it’s a showcase on the world stage.

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