New Orleans Pelicans to become first NBA team to play in Australia in NBL exhibitions

The New Orleans Pelicans will become the first NBA team to play games in Australia. They are scheduled to face Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix in preseason games this October, marking a significant moment in Australian basketball history.

These two historic games will take place at Melbourne Park on October 3rd and 5th. While Australian National Basketball League (NBL) teams began traveling to the United States for NBA preseason games nine years ago, the Pelicans' visit represents a further step in this collaborative relationship.

Larry Kestelman, owner and head of the NBL, stated, "The significance of this announcement for Australian basketball and the NBL cannot be overstated. Hosting an NBA team in Australia has been a long-held dream for everyone involved in the NBL."

Currently, the Pelicans' roster boasts star point guard Dejounte Murray and two-time All-Star Zion Williamson. Their presence will undoubtedly provide Australian fans with exciting and high-level basketball competition.