HoopsFest Returns to Perth for WNBL27

The Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) and National Basketball League (NBL) have today announced a new three-year partnership with Virgin Australia, as the Official Airline Partner of both competitions.

HoopsFest will return to Perth, set to take place from 13-17 January – an extended five days of action - as part of Western Australia’s stellar summer events calendar thanks to a renewed two-year commitment by the Western Australian Government through Tourism Western Australia.

The southern hemisphere’s largest basketball festival will return bigger and better thanks to Virgin Australia, who will become the Presenting Partner of HoopsFest as a feature of the new league partnership.

The agreement with Virgin Australia will strengthen the competitions' rapid growth, supporting travel for fans, teams, players, officials and partners.

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“This partnership with Virgin Australia reflects the momentum behind our leagues and the increasing demand we’re seeing for basketball, with fans travelling across the country to support their teams and be part of major events,” NBL Group CEO, David Stevenson said.

“We’re also thrilled to welcome Virgin Australia as the Presenting Partner of HoopsFest – which has fast become one of the most exciting sporting events on the calendar. This new partnership will help us continue to grow HoopsFest, easing access to Perth and deliver even more amazing experiences to basketball fans. I want to thank Virgin Australia CEO, David Emerson, and his team, and look forward to working with them.

“I also want to extend my sincere thanks to Western Australia’s Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA, and Deputy Premier and Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hon. Rita Saffioti MLA, and the WA Government and Tourism WA for their continued support. The return of HoopsFest to Perth reflects a shared commitment to continue building a world-class celebration of basketball.

“The WA Government and Tourism WA have shared our vision for and belief in HoopsFest from the very beginning, and this celebration wouldn’t be possible without their incredible support. The momentum we’ve been able to harness together is a testament to our combined passion for basketball and desire to deliver fans an event they can truly own and be proud of.”

Virgin Australia Chief Marketing and Customer Operations Officer, Libby Minogue, said the airline is proud to support the continued growth of both basketball leagues.

“Sport has a unique ability to bring people together, and we’re proud to expand our presence through our partnership with the NBL and the WNBL, while also supporting the local tourism economy,” Minogue said.

“Alongside our partnerships with the AFL, AFLW, Carlton and the Sydney Swans football clubs, we’re building meaningful connections with sports fans across the country, particularly as demand grows for travel to live sporting experiences.

”HoopsFest drew record crowds during NBL and WNBL26, with more than 35,500 fans attending - a 25 per cent increase year-on-year.

The annual event has attracted international flavour, bringing out high-profile basketball names, scouts, and representatives from NBA teams to find the next generation of stars.

Kicking off the five-day extravaganza is the WNBL26 Championship rematch between the Perth Lynx and Townsville Fire.

The Red Army will have the chance to cheer on the Perth Wildcats when they take the court for a Friday night showcase against the New Zealand Breakers.‍

Western Australia’s Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA, welcomed the return of HoopsFest to Perth.

“I’m thrilled to announce that the WA Government has secured HoopsFest for Perth until 2028, with the event promising to be another slam dunk for both visitors and locals.

“The WA Government’s investment in this event is all part of our broader economic diversification strategy to strengthen the tourism sector and support local jobs and businesses, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing what’s in store over the next two years.

“This is yet another opportunity to showcase Western Australia on a national stage as a premier host for world-class events and build on our reputation as the fastest-growing events destination in the South East Asia region.”

To celebrate today’s announcement, Virgin Australia has released sale fares from just $219 one-way to Perth from selected Australian cities for selected travel dates. Sale fares are available from 10:00am AEST today until 11:00pm AEST Saturday 7 February 2026.

All NBL and WNBL teams will again travel to Perth to compete in regular season games as part of festival.

Beyond the court, HoopsFest features community clinics, grassroots activations, open training sessions, and the free Bounce Nation Fan Zone.HoopsFest Perth tickets are now on sale, with access to early-bird pricing available for a limited time starting from $9 for juniors and $27 for adults. Early-bird tickets can be purchased via HoopsFest.com.au.

View the HoopsFest schedule below:
‍Wednesday, January 13, 4:00pm AWST - Perth Lynx vs Townsville Fire
Wednesday, January 13, 6:30pm AWST - Melbourne United vs Cairns Taipans

Thursday, January 14, 4:00pm AWST - Sydney Flames vs Southside Flyers
Thursday, January 14, 6:30pm AWST - Sydney Kings vs SEM Phoenix

Friday, January 15, 4:00pm AWST - Adelaide Lightning vs Canberra Capitals
Friday, January 15, 6:30pm AWST - Perth Wildcats vs New Zealand Breakers

Saturday, January 16, 4:00pm AWST - Tasmania Jewels vs Geelong Venom
Saturday, January 16, 6:30pm AWST - Tasmania JackJumpers vs Adelaide 36ers

Sunday, January 17, 11:30am AWST - Bendigo Spirit vs Perth Lynx
Sunday, January 17, 2:00pm AWST - Brisbane Bullets vs Illawarra Hawks

All games at RAC Arena.

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