The NBA announced its plans to play in Australia for the first time on Monday. The New Orleans Pelicans are the lucky team who will head across the globe for two preseason games before the 2025-26 season begins.
They will play the NBL's Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix on Oct. 3 and Oct. 5. The special weekend is called the "Melbourne Series," promoted and organized by the NBL. NBL teams have traveled to the U.S. before to compete against NBA teams during the preseason since 2016. Some NBA prospects have made their way to the league through the NBL Next Stars program, like LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey and Alex Sarr.
