THE NATIONAL Basketball League (NBL) season kicks off for 2025/26 later this week, marking the beginning of one of the most anticipated fixtures in the modern era after an incredibly eventful offseason with some massive moves.

Following the conclusion of the final preseason matches over the weekend, the last preparations for the upcoming season are in place, all leading towards Thursday night’s opening match between the Tasmania JackJumpers and Melbourne United.

With some massive storylines forming from the last few months, including Bryce Cotton‘s move to the Adelaide 36ers, the Illawarra Hawks‘ acquisition of three-time NBA champion JaVale McGee and the addition of some seriously exciting Next Stars, all building towards what should be one of the most exciting seasons of all time.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central has been previewing each team ahead of the upcoming fixture, with all 10 sides having genuine merit in its hopes to contend deep into the postseason thanks to the even landscape of the competition.

Check out all 10 teams below, including their full rosters, key players and what they need to do to be holding up the Dr John Raschke Trophy at season’s end in what may be the toughest title to win.

NBL Team Previews

Click on each team name to view the full preview

Adelaide 36ers

What We Said: ‘The Sixers have built an immensely talented roster, headlined by the inclusion of Bryce Cotton, and if all of their stars can mesh nicely and perform at a high level, it is hard to see Adelaide not making a deep run into the postseason.’

Brisbane Bullets

What We Said: ‘The Bullets look new and improved ahead of the 2025/26 NBL season, and if their imports can fire along with their established local talent, they could return to the finals for the first time in seven years.’

Cairns Taipans

What We Said: ‘The Taipans made some big signings over the offseason by retaining Forde and adding the likes of Jack McVeigh and Admiral Schofield, and if they can get find their groove early and get the most out of their new additions, they could return to the finals.’

Illawarra Hawks

What We Said: ‘The Hawks reached the top of the mountain last season, and will be hoping to defend their throne against some stacked competition in the coming months, and if William Hickey can adapt to the point guard role and McGee plays over 15 games, they will be well placed to do so.’

Melbourne United

What We Said: ‘United are always around the mark in the NBL, and will likely be in the finals contenders again despite other teams having more active off-seasons, and if Milton Doyle can get back to his offensive best to pair with elite defence, another trophy could enter the cabinet.’

New Zealand Breakers

What We Said: ‘The Breakers will be eager to return to their form from the beginning of last season, and adding a potential All-NBL talent in Izaiah Brockington will go a long way towards New Zealand maintaining consistency on the offensive end.’

Perth Wildcats

What We Said: ‘It was always going to be tough for the Wildcats to replace Cotton, but they have assembled a strong roster headlined by the additions of Jo Lual-Acuil and Mason Jones, and if they can get the most of those two in particular, it will be massive for their finals hopes.’

South East Melbourne Phoenix

What We Said: ‘The Phoenix lost a lot of offensive power over the offseason, but shored up their defence and put together some strong performances in the Blitz preseason tournament, indicating they will be making a strong charge towards a maiden title.’

Sydney Kings

What We Said: ‘It is hard to see the Kings not being one of the serious contenders for the championship in the 2025/26 NBL season, and if they can get all of their stars to gel and get some solid contributions from their role players too, Brian Goorjian should lead the team deep into finals.’

Tasmania JackJumpers

What We Said: The JackJumpers are heading in a new direction this season, but with Scott Roth still at the helm and a trio of imports seemingly ready to fire, they could be one of the competition’s most surprising teams for season 2025/26.