HoopsFest 2026: Everything you need to know

HoopsFest returns to Perth for its second annual event, this time with even more reasons for fans to attend.

With WNBL and NBL games every day from Thursday to Sunday and plenty of activities between the courts – HoopsFest is the best place to be as a basketball fan, according to Australia’s greatest player, Lauren Jackson.

“The basketball culture in Australia, it's really thriving at the moment. People are loving it,” she said.

“We've got a lot more eyeballs on the sport, more so than ever. And I think to have all that basketball in one place, it's really exciting."

See everything you need to know below.

When is HoopsFest? 

The 2026 edition of HoopsFest will run from Thursday, January 15 to Sunday, January 18.

Where is HoopsFest?

The event will be held in Perth, Western Australia, with games at RAC Arena.

The Fan Zone will be held at Forrest Place within the Perth CBD.

>> BUY HOOPSFEST TICKETS

What's different for WNBL fans this year in HoopsFest?

The biggest difference this year for WNBL fans will be the games, with this HoopsFest returning all regular-season games with major finals implications!

Who will be in action?

With five blockbuster NBL games and four amazing WNBL fixtures in the schedule, every team will be playing with plenty of basketball action for all the family at RAC Arena.

There will be double-headers of WNBL and NBL action on Thursday, Friday and Sunday, and a triple-header featuring two NBL games on Sunday.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets are available from just $10.80, via Ticketek.

>> BUY HOOPSFEST TICKETS

How do I follow HoopsFest?

Every WNBL game will be Live & Free on 9Now, with every game WNBL and NBL from Thursday to Sunday also live on ESPN. 

Download the WNBL App for the latest updates, highlights and scores. 

Who's playing who?

Thursday:

Perth Lynx v Bendigo Spirit (WNBL) - Thursday, January 15, 4pm AWST/7pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN and 9Now | Tickets | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Sydney Kings v Brisbane Bullets (NBL) - Thursday, January 15, 6.30pm AWST/9.30pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN | Tickets | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Doors open 30 minutes prior to the first game.

Friday:

Geelong Venom v Sydney Flames (WNBL) - Friday, January 16, 4pm AWST/7pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN and 9Now | Tickets | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Perth Wildcats v Illawarra Hawks (NBL) - Friday, January 16, 6.30pm AWST/9.30pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN | Tickets | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Doors open 30 minutes prior to the first game.

Saturday:

Southside Melbourne Flyers v Adelaide Lightning (WNBL) - Saturday, January 17, 1.30am AWST/4.30pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN2 and 9Now | Tickets | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Cairns Taipans v New Zealand Breakers (NBL) - Saturday, January 17, 4pm AWST/7pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN | Tickets | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Tasmania JackJumpers v Melbourne United (NBL) - Saturday, January 17, 6.30pm AWST/9.30pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN | Tickets | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Doors open one hour prior to the first game.

Sunday:

Adelaide 36ers v South East Melbourne Phoenix (NBL) - Sunday, January 18, 11.30am AWST/2.30pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Tickets | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Townsville Fire v UC Capitals (WNBL) - Sunday, January 18, 2pm AWST/5pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN and 9Now | Tickets | Scores and stats: Game Centre‍

Doors open one hour prior to the first game.

What else is going on over the four days?

‍

- Allen 'The Answer' Iverson will be in Perth as a special guest for the 2026 HoopsFest. Across the four days, the Naismith Hall of Fame inductee will attend games at RAC Arena, attend numerous special events and interact with all the basketball fans around the city.

- HoopsFest Cup is an open-age basketball tournament for over 18s, welcoming teams from anywhere and everywhere. Whether you’re repping your local club, your old squad, or just keen to ball, this is your chance to be part of HoopsFest not just as a fan, but on the court. With a massive $50,000 prize pool, split evenly between the Men’s and Women’s competitions, there’s more than just bragging rights on the line.

>> HOOPSFEST CUP INFORMATION

- The Fan Zone is true hoop lover’s playground, the Fan Zone blends basketball culture, live entertainment and community in a fun, inclusive and family-friendly environment throughout Perth’s summer holidays. Across four action-packed days, the precinct will come alive with DJs, food trucks, giveaways, merchandise, sponsor activations and interactive activities, creating a welcoming festival space for locals, visitors, families and city workers alike. Fans will also have the chance to meet NBL and WNBL players, with club appearances taking place each day.

>> FAN ZONE INFORMATION

Sneakerland arrives in the Granite Room at RAC Arena for all four event days, opening half an hour before the first game tips off on Thursday and Friday, and an hour before on Saturday and Sunday. Expect 18 exhibitors spanning fashion, sneaker culture, installations, activations, music and giveaways.

>> SNEAKERLAND INFORMATION