FOUR more Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) or NBL games over the next five days have been postponed due to COVID-19 protocols. Three NBL games featuring the Adelaide 36ers and Perth Wildcats – due to play tonight in Adelaide – were postponed, as well as tomorrow night’s WNBL clash between Sydney Uni Flames and Bendigo Spirit.

In an announcement today from both leagues, the respective sides had to follow government protocols in relation to close contacts. In the case of the Flames-Spirit which was due to be played at Brydens Stadium tomorrow, one of the Flames’ team members tested positive. It meant that the remainder of the group are deemed casual contacts, and will need further PCR testing before being able to resume training.

A delay in accessing results has meant the team has been unable to train as yet, and therefore the game was forced to be rescheduled to a later date. Sydney Uni Flames owner and chairman Paul Smith said the health and safety of the entire group was the main priority.

“The decision to delay the game has been made in line with WNBL guidelines,” Smith said.  “The health and safety of the players, coaches, clubs, staff and fans is our main priority.  “The club will continue to follow the advice of health authorities and further testing will be carried out on any individuals impacted or those deemed close contacts.”  

Patrons who have purchased tickets to Wednesday’s game will be contacted via Ticketek and will be offered a refund or transfer to the new date once scheduled.

Meanwhile even more havoc occurred in the NBL, with three games having to be rescheduled. In a brief statement released by the NBL today, they said that the following games must be postponed “in line with its COVID health and safety protocols and respective state government close contact requirements”:

• Adelaide vs. Perth, December 28, Adelaide Entertainment Centre
• Brisbane Bullets vs. Perth, January 1, Nissan Arena
• Adelaide vs. SEM Phoenix, January 2, Adelaide Entertainment Centre

The statement read:

The health and safety of the players, coaches, clubs, staff and fans is the League’s number one priority when considering these matters.

The NBL will continue to follow the advice of governments and health authorities. Regular testing of all players and staff will continue, while further testing will be carried out on individuals impacted or those deemed close contacts.

The schedule will be updated with rescheduled games in the coming days.