Get ready for a free, family-friendly festival of basketball where the action doesn’t stop on the court! Bounce Nation is your chance to dive into the culture of the game with star appearances, live clinics, and player signings. All in the heart of Melbourne Park!

OPENING TIMES

Thursday: 10:00AM - 4:00PM

Friday: 12:00PM - 10:00PM

Saturday: 12:00PM - 8:00PM

Sunday: 10:00AM - 4:30PM

The NBAxNBL Melbourne Series is bringing global basketball energy to Australian soil, with four unmissable events at Rod Laver Arena.

Fans will experience the best of both leagues as NBA teams take on Australia’s top talent in an electrifying showcase of skill, culture, and entertainment.

Best of all, we’re bringing Bounce Nation to the forecourt - a FREE fan festival where you can find a vibrant hub celebrating basketball culture, style, and community including appearances from NBA legends Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.

Inside Bounce Nation

Style and Shoot Zone

Test your skills with a SHOOT arcade hoops experience or STYLE up with hair braiding or a temporary tattoo for a fresh courtside look.

Live Entertainment

The voice and vibe of Bounce Nation will be soundtracked by the one and only MC Matty Charles. From hyping the crowd to running competitions and interviews, the half court will be the place to be. 

We’re also bringing New Orleans-inspired grooves to Melbourne, with ‘Not My Circus’ - roving performances and infectious covers that will have the fan zone bouncing.

NBL Performance House

Do you have what it takes? Test your reaction, reflexes and vertical jump. Step up and get started.

Complete all three tests and earn yourself Certificate of Completion - proof you’ve conquered the Performance House.

The Half Court

‍A live half-court where the action never stops. B-boy battles, skills and drills, player appearances, and non-stop entertainment over the weekend!

Merch Store

‍Be part of history. Grab official NBAxNBL gear, a must-have from the very first NBA games in Australia.

NBA2K Fan Zone

‍Step into the digital game:

  • Create a custom player card
  • Showcase your moves in the NBA2K Streetball experience
Team Central

‍Meet NBA, NBL, and WNBL stars up close in the rotating Team Central marquee. And while you wait, take part in the NBL ball guessing game, for a chance to win big!

Sharpie

‍Unleash your creativity with two interactive experiences:

  • Group colouring wall: Add your touch to a collaborative mural that evolves daily
  • Fan colouring cut-outs: Personalise signs, logos, and mascots to take home or wave proudly at the games
Watch Party

Catch all the NBAxNBL action on the lawn outside Rod Laver. The Watch Party ensures you won’t miss a moment.

NBA, NBL, WNBL Appearances

Across the weekend, fans can expect appearances from NBA, NBL, and WNBL stars at the Half Court.

Bounce Nation is where it all comes together. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action this October.

SCHEDULE

10:00 am
DJ/MC Matty Charles
11:30 am
New Orleans Pelicans Mascot & Entertainment
11:45 am
Mascot Shoot Out
12:00 pm
Waverley Falcons
12:20 pm
Phoenix Mascot
12:30 pm
Harlem Globetrotters Showcase
1:30 pm
Waverley Falcons
2:00 pm
Melbourne United Player Interviews
2:30 pm
Ray Allen Interview
2:45 pm
South East Melbourne Phoenix Player Interviews
Melbourne United Signing
3:00 pm
Matty Charles Fan Games & Giveaway
3:15 pm
Bliss n Eso Meet & Greet
3:30 pm
Waverley Falcons
South East Melbourne Phoenix Signing
4:00 pm
Site closed
1:00 pm
Harlem Globetrotters Showcase
1:30 pm
Knox Raiders Junior Showcase
2:30 pm
South East Melbourne Phoenix Player Interviews
3:00 pm
Harlem Globetrotters Showcase
South East Melbourne Phoenix Signing
4:00 pm
Tera Reid and Makena Marissa Interview
4:30 pm
Knox Raiders
Tera Reid and Makena Marissa Signing
5:00 pm
Matty Charles Fan Games & Giveaway
Melbourne United Player Interviews
5:30 pm
Melbourne United Mascot & Entertainment
5:40 pm
Matty Charles B-Boy Battle
6:40 pm
Harlem Globetrotters Showcase
7:15 pm
Matty Charles Fan Games & Giveaway
7:30 pm
Watch Party
10:00 pm
Site Closed
12:00 pm
Matty Charles Fan Games & Giveaway
1:00 pm
Harlem Globetrotters Showcase
1:30 pm
Mascot Shoot Out
2:00 pm
Basketball Victoria
3:00 pm
Harlem Globetrotters Showcase
3:30 pm
Basketball Victoria
3:40 pm
Harlem Globetrotters Showcase
Issie Bourne & Maddy Rocci Signing
4:00 pm
WNBL Player Interviews
4:15 pm
Matty Charles
Melbourne United Player Interviews
4:40 pm
Harlem Globetrotters Showcase
5:15 pm
Melbourne United Player Interviews
5:30 pm
South East Melbourne Phoenix Player Interviews
5:40 pm
Melbourne United Player Interviews
South East Melbourne Phoenix Player Interviews
3:30 pm
New Orleans Pelicans Entertainment Team Performance
11:00 am
WNBL Player Interviews
11:10 am
Manuela Puoch & Haylee Andrews Signing
11:30 am
South East Melbourne Phoenix Player Interviews
11:40 am
South East Melbourne Phoenix Player Signing
11:50 am
South East Melbourne Phoenix Mascot & Entertainment
11:30 pm
Harlem Globetrotters Showcase
1:00 pm
Matty Charles B-Boy Battle
2:00 pm
Watch Party
4:30 pm
Site Closed
12:30 pm
Harlem Globetrotters Showcase
1:30 pm
Harlem Globetrotters Showcase
12:00 pm
Kevin Garnett Interview
12:20 pm
New Orleans Pelicans Mascot & Entertainment