Basketball fans in Australia have been waiting for this moment, and now it's finally here.
For the first time ever, an NBA team will be playing on Aussie shores as the New Orleans Pelicans are set to face off against two NBL teams as part of their pre-season preparations.
The Sporting News has everything you need to know to grab tickets for the upcoming games.
BUY NOW: New Orleans Pelicans pre-season tickets
Pelicans to face Melbourne United and SEM Phoenix
Rod Laver Arena will host two games on Friday, October 3, and Sunday, October 5, with the Pelicans to face off against Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix in two history-making fixtures.
“We are honored to be part of this historic occasion for basketball in Australia," New Orleans Pelicans Governor Gayle Benson said.
"This collaboration with the NBL and NBA to bring the Pelicans to Melbourne provides an exceptional opportunity to engage with our global fanbase and share the rich spirit and culture of New Orleans with basketball fans in the region.
"We look forward to competing against Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix, and collaborating with the NBA and NBL to inspire and develop the next generation of athletes across the Asia-Pacific region."
BUY NOW: New Orleans Pelicans pre-season tickets
In previous years, seven NBL teams have travelled to the US for 24 pre-season games against NBA teams as part of the NBLxNBA initiative, adding to the strong ties between the leagues.
Further to that, nine players have made the leap directly from the NBL to the NBA via the Next Stars program, including Josh Giddey, LaMelo Ball, and Alex Sarr.
The Pelicans feature 2022 NBA All-Star Dejounte Murray, NBA champion Jordan Poole, rising star Trey Murphy III, and two-time NBA All-Star Zion Williamson, who, after only appearing in 30 games last season due to injury, is back to full health after undergoing an impressive off-season body transformation.
1️⃣ pic.twitter.com/odk5OHGc8j
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) September 23, 2025
"I haven't felt like this since college, high school," Williamson said at Media Day. "Just, where I can walk in the gym and I'm like, I feel good."
How to buy Pelicans pre-season tickets in Australia
Tickets for both games are selling fast, but are still available via Ticketek.
Remaining tickets for the games begin at $249 AUD. Tickets for opening training start at $25, with tickets for the NBLxNBA Melbourne Series Fan Night starting at $29.
Pelicans' pre-season schedule in Australia
Outside of the two games, there are a host of events for fans, including an open training session and fan night at Rod Laver Arena.
| Date | Event | Location | Time |
| Thursday, Oct. 2 | New Orleans Open Training | Rod Laver Arena | 12:00 p.m. |
| Friday, Oct. 3 | Pelicans vs Melbourne United | Rod Laver Arena | 7:30 p.m. |
| Saturday, Oct. 4 | NBA x NBL Melbourne Series Fan Night | Rod Laver Arena | 6:00 p.m. |
| Sunday, Oct. 5 | Pelicans vs SEM Phoenix | Rod Laver Arena | 2:00 p.m. |