NBL26 Finals Series Schedule Unveiled
The National Basketball League (NBL26) Finals Series schedule has been released, detailing the progression from the Play-In Tournament through to the Championship Series.
The Play-In Tournament commenced on March 4, with South East Melbourne Phoenix securing a direct path to the Playoff Series, while the Perth Wildcats entered the subsequent Play-In Game.
Play-In Tournament Overview
The Play-In Tournament determines the final two teams to join the top two seeds in the Playoffs.
Seeding Qualifier
- Date: Wednesday, March 4
- Time: 7:30 PM AEDT
- Teams: South East Melbourne Phoenix (3rd seed) vs. Perth Wildcats (4th seed)
- Venue: John Cain Arena
- Outcome: South East Melbourne Phoenix defeated the Perth Wildcats, advancing directly to Playoff Series 1. The Perth Wildcats proceeded to the Play-In Game.
Play-In Qualifier
- Date: Thursday, March 5
- Time: 7:30 PM AEDT
- Teams: Melbourne United (5th seed) vs. Tasmania JackJumpers (6th seed)
- Venue: John Cain Arena
- Progression: The winner of this game will advance to the Play-In Game. The losing team will be eliminated from the tournament.
Play-In Game
- Date: Saturday, March 7
- Time: 8:00 PM AEDT
- Teams: Perth Wildcats (loser of the Seeding Qualifier) vs. the winner of the Play-In Qualifier (Melbourne United or Tasmania JackJumpers).
- Venue: RAC Arena
- Progression: The winner of this game will advance to Playoff Series 2.
Playoff Series Matchups
The Playoff Series consists of two best-of-three series, featuring the top-ranked teams and the qualifiers from the Play-In Tournament.
Playoff Series 1
- Teams: South East Melbourne Phoenix (winner of the Seeding Qualifier) vs. Adelaide 36ers (2nd seed).
- Game 1: Tuesday, March 10, 7:30 PM AEDT, at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
- Game 2: Saturday, March 14, at John Cain Arena (time to be announced).
- Potential Game 3: To be held at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre (date and time to be announced, if required).
Playoff Series 2
- Teams: Sydney Kings (1st seed) vs. the winner of the Play-In Game.
- Game 1: Wednesday, March 11, 7:30 PM AEDT, at Qudos Bank Arena.
- Game 2: Venue and time are yet to be determined.
- Potential Game 3: Wednesday, March 18, 7:30 PM AEDT, at Qudos Bank Arena (if required).
Championship Series
The winners of Playoff Series 1 and Playoff Series 2 will compete in a best-of-five Championship Series to determine the NBL26 champion.
Broadcast Information
The NBL26 Finals Series will be broadcast live on ESPN, accessible through Disney+. Additionally, selected games will be available on Channel 10.