Christmas Day will have its first Australian sporting match, with the NBL ready to star in a showdown between top rivals Sydney Kings and Melbourne United.
Kings co-owner Paul Smith said the NBL was “changing society” by daring to play on Christmas Day, beating other summer leagues such as the Big Bash and the A-League to establish a game in a day that has been left alone forever for sporting events. .
“It’s the last frontier of sports programming in Australia,” Smith said.
“We are a changing society. Christmas is not a sacred event for all of us, and it can be a lonely day for many people.
“So being able to go out to a world-class venue for a world-class hoop game, or just watch the Sydney Kings at home on TV, is a game changer.”
The match will be played at 7.30pm on 25 December in Sydney.
“We are thrilled to bring such a massive gathering on Christmas Day, especially considering we will be the first professional sport in this country to do so,” said NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger.
“Sports fans from Australia and New Zealand have requested live sport for Christmas and we are excited to bring them world class basketball and entertainment on a very special day for many.
“Christmas Day has become a major day on the NBA calendar and we are confident it will have a similar impact for us and our clubs.
“The Kings have been very proactive in wanting to host the first game on Christmas Day and we are confident they will do a great job.”
The NBL will also host a Christmas Eve match between the Adelaide 36ers and south-east Melbourne.
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