The NBL’s lucky stars have finally aligned in the playoffs to have the perfect marketing recipe for success.  Perth vs Brisbane, Melbourne vs Sydney. The rivalries are back.

What does it mean for the NBL’s marketing heads?

It’s all about location, location, location. Big cities, bigger venues, biggest population.  Australia’s four major cities will be represented in the upcoming NBL playoffs next week.

“This has been one of the biggest and best seasons we’ve seen in the NBL since it was formed in 1979″ NBL Chief Executive Jeremy Loeliger said.

With more people to target, expect record viewing numbers on all platforms. The NBL should ramp up their online presence because word spreads faster on social media platforms. Let the hype machine start spinning.

Former Sydney Kings Coach Bob Turner shared his thoughts about this on a recent episode of the Aussie Hoopla podcast.

“It’s a great win for Larry Kestelman and the NBL because you got the biggest markets. You need those big markets to get excitement going within the media so that they can tell the fans that basketball is alive and well.”

Both Brisbane and Sydney have successfully turned around their fortunes this season. After placing in the bottom two of the NBL ladder in previous seasons, the two ball clubs are playoff-bound and will be vying for a spot in the Finals.

Perth and Melbourne are the model ball clubs of the NBL, akin to the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors. Great culture, outstanding player recruitment and development, shrewd management and a solid coaching staff. Both clubs believe their playoff experience should get them across the line.

The old rivalry between Sydney and defending champions Melbourne United should heat up. Melbourne is the sporting capital of Australia so expect a full house in Game 1. The stars are primed for a big series. Bogut vs Boone, Lisch vs Goulding, Randle vs Ware, Newley vs Barlow. Vickerman vs Gaze.

Sydney fans are expected to fill up the rafters in support of the Kings’ first playoff appearance since 2012. Emotions will be running high, but the Sydney basketball community will come out in full force to see the legendary Gaze go out with a bang.

Brisbane versus Perth is a David vs Goliath matchup worth watching. The Bullets are having a great season behind the solid performances of Lamar Patterson and Best 6th Man/Most Improved Player of the Year Reuben Te Rangi. Their big men should match up well against Perth’s frontline. Perth’s backcourt though will be harder to contain. Bryce Cotton, Terrico White and Damien Martin have a huge statistical advantage against Jason Cadee, Cameron Gliddon and Adam Gibson.

Are their home venues big enough to accommodate to their loyal fans? They sure are.  The smallest venue is in Melbourne and the biggest is in Sydney.

Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena can accommodate up to 21,000, while Melbourne Arena (formerly Hisense Arena) can hold up to 10,500. Brisbane Entertainment Centre holds 13,500. Perth’s RAC Arena can hold up to 15,500.

The NBL has seen its highest attendance for a regular season with over 700,000 fans attending games in 2018-19. In light of this new record, the NBL should expect record crowds to flock in the first two games of each series.

With the four major Australian cities participating in the playoffs, the NBL’s dream matchup have lined up perfectly to cap off a successful year for the league. It’s a win-win situation for Australian basketball fans, sponsors and the NBL.

Th NBL semi-finals times are below:

Semi Final Series 1

Thursday 28^th Feb 10.20pm AEDT / 7.20pm Local – Perth v Brisbane. RAC Arena

Saturday 2^nd Mar 2.50pm AEDT / 1.50pm Local – Brisbane v Perth. (Venue TBC)

Monday 4^th Mar 9.50pm AEDT / 6.50pm Local – Perth v Brisbane. RAC Arena (if required)

Semi Final Series 2 all times AEDT

Thursday 28^th Feb 7.50pm – Melbourne v Sydney. Melbourne Arena

Sunday 3^rd Mar 2.20pm – Sydney v Melbourne. Qudos Bank Arena

Tuesday 5^th Mar 7.50pm – Melbourne v Sydney. Melbourne Arena (if required)