Marquee matchups headline Phoenix's blockbuster NBL26 fixture

Kicking off with a fan-favourite tradition, the Phoenix will again 'Relight the Fire Pit' to open the season against Cairns on September 20 at John Cain Arena — a fiery fixture that has become a ritualistic launchpad for the Heartland club. 

Fresh off the roaring success of last year’s inaugural open-roof showcase, the ‘Christmas Spectacular: Under the Stars’ returns on December 20, promising another festive feast for fans. 

And for a third straight season, Phoenix Fest will light up the calendar — a member appreciation round capped by a full team signing session after a high-octane clash with rivals Sydney Kings on February 8. 

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John Cain Arena remains the Phoenix’s fortress, hosting 10 games, but this season brings a welcome boost to the Heartland: 

• State Basketball Centre will stage four games, and 
• Gippsland Regional Indoor Stadium joins the party with two fixtures — the most ever outside the metro hubs. 

The additional games feature as part of the NBL’s bold new initiative: the Ignite Cup. This mid-season tournament, played exclusively on Wednesday nights, offers a $300,000 prize — and a new reason to circle midweek matchups. 

🚨 THE TEAM GROUP CHAT HAS BEEN LEAKED 🚨 👀

The fixture is out, and the players have weighed in ahead of a BIG NBL26! #ALLFIREDUP 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nfyLBua6QJ

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) June 20, 2025

No fixture is bigger than the fiercest rivalry in the league. The Phoenix and Melbourne United will write four new chapters of the Throwdown, with Throwdown 30 hosted by South East Melbourne on November 8 — mark it down. 

To kick off Melbourne Cup week, the club’s annual ‘Sunday Funday’ returns on November 2, when the Phoenix host the Perth Wildcats. A family festival atmosphere awaits with fan zones, kid-friendly activities, and a party vibe ahead of the action on court. 

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The Phoenix will also meet Tasmania, Cairns, New Zealand and Adelaide four times each across the season, with the 36ers pencilled in as their HoopsFest opponent in January, where South East Melbourne will take on Bryce Cotton as he returns to the state where he won five MVP trophies with the Wildcats. 

Phoenix Chief Executive Simon Derrick said the fixture was the most fan-friendly in club history. 

“We’ve never had this many home games before,” Derrick said. “It’s a huge win for our members, our fans, and all Victorians — 16 chances to witness the league’s best game-day experience right here in the Heartland.” 

“Our coaches and players are grinding through pre-season right now, and we can’t wait to see that hard work come to life in front of packed-out crowds in NBL26.” 

The best way to secure your seat to see the Phoenix get All Fire Up for  NBL26 is through a membership. SIGN UP TODAY!