NBL welcomes millionth fan

Attendance records continue to tumble in the Hungry Jack’s NBL, with more than one million fans streaming through the gates for the first time since 1996 – but the milestone was achieved with 41 less games.

Tonight’s Tasmania JackJumpers v Illawarra Hawks final saw the one millionth fan attend, with the lucky supporter rewarded with courtside seats by NBL CEO David Stevenson.

Along with a million total fans attending matches throughout the 2023/24 season, the NBL also recorded its highest average attendance in history during the regular season (7,131) and had a 15% uplift on last season.

There were 33 sell-outs throughout the regular season, including the JackJumpers selling out every home game for the third consecutive season and Melbourne United selling out 8 of 14 home games.

NBL CEO David Stevenson and the one millionth fans of NBL24, Jackie Brown and Zoey Brown.

“The appetite for the NBL is at an all-time high and that is highlighted by our best total attendance in almost 30 years,” Stevenson said.

“The fans are the lifeblood of our League, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without them. Their unwavering passion and support of the competition, and its teams, is unbelievable and we are forever indebted to their commitment.

“To pass one million fans with most of the Finals series still ahead is an incredible achievement and a sign of the NBL’s standing on the summer sporting scene.

“It is a credit to our clubs, who do an outstanding job ensuring the in-stadium experience is filled with family friendly entertainment, alongside the world-class basketball on the court.”

Stevenson said the strong attendance numbers prove the NBL is back in a big way, and comparable to the mid-1990s; often referred to as the “Golden Era” of basketball in Australia.

“The NBL experienced amazing successes in the 1990s, and now we are seeing those old fans coming back to the sport, along with a legion of new fans, who are strongly engaged with the competition,” Stevenson said.

“The League has never been in a stronger position both on and off the court, and we are excited to continue our growth trajectory across the Finals and into the future.”

All NBL Finals games will be broadcast live on ESPN via Kayo Sports.