The National Basketball League (NBL) Group, which encompasses both the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) and the NBL, has announced that NBA icon and Hall of Famer Allen “The Answer” Iverson will make a special appearance at HoopsFest Perth taking place from January 15 to 18, 2026.
Iverson, known for his remarkable career as an 11-time NBA All-Star and four-time scoring champion, is celebrated as one of basketball’s most influential figures. His induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 further cements his legacy, alongside being named the NBA’s MVP in 2001.
HoopsFest Perth is set to elevate the excitement and international profile of the event, coinciding with round 17 of the regular NBL season and round 14 of the WNBL. The festival promises a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the sport and its culture, drawing in thousands of visitors from across Australia to Western Australia.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Iverson remarked on the connecting power of basketball and acknowledged Australia’s growing importance in the global basketball landscape. He highlighted the “world-class talent” and the emergence of the NBL and WNBL, stating, “Events like HoopsFest show just how strong the future of the game is, not just here, but everywhere.”
NBL Chief Event and Project Officer, Alex Hamilton, expressed excitement for HoopsFest returning to Perth for a second consecutive year. He emphasized the significance of having a global superstar like Iverson adding to the event’s appeal and credited the Western Australian Government, through Tourism WA, for its support.
Western Australian Tourism Minister, the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA, noted that the HoopsFest provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the state’s top-notch sporting facilities and tourism potential. He encouraged visitors to explore Perth’s offerings, which include its wineries, lively urban environments, and natural attractions. “Major events like HoopsFest are part of our Government’s economic diversification strategy by attracting out-of-state visitors to generate valuable tourism dollars for local businesses and jobs for the State,” Whitby stated.
The festival will also introduce the HoopsFest Cup, allowing teams from around Australia to compete for a $50,000 prize. Other attractions include Sneakerland, Australia’s largest sneaker culture festival, and the free HoopsFest Fan Festival, celebrating basketball culture through music, entertainment, and fashion.
For tickets and more details about the festival, fans are encouraged to visit Hoopsfest.com.au or download the new NBL App for updates on the event. Exciting times lie ahead for basketball and its enthusiasts in Perth.