Event Guide: Boomers in Hobart | FIBA Basketball World Cup - Asian Qualifier

The anticipation of the Boomers long awaited return to the Apple Isle is rising with a FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifier set for My State Bank Arena vs New Zealand on 28 November.

The first bucket on 28 November will be a moment to savour bring an end to a 20 (technically 19.4) year gap since the last Boomers fixture in Tasmania in 2006.

As fate would have it, the last Boomers international fixture on the Apple Isle also featured the Tall Blacks, competing in the now retired FIBA Oceania Championship.
 
 
General public tickets for the incoming clash evaporated quickly with the allocation exhausted within 24 hours - HOWEVER - A reserved batch of bronze tickets have just been released as well as remaining availability with corporate packages.   
 
If you missed out – this is a last chance grab a seat via Ticketek.   

THE MATCHUP  

BOOMERS vs TALL BLACKS  
 
Friday, 28 November 2025 | Tip-Off: 7:30pm AEDT 
MyState Bank Arena – Hobart, Tasmania  
 
Tickets via Ticketek 


It all starts here...

The fixture in Hobart is the first leg of a double header with the second game of the window to be played in Wellington on 1 December.

Australia and New Zealand have a colourful history of international competition.

Historically, the path to the World's was usually accomplished at the expense of each other, with the pathway running directly through Oceania.

The re-zoning of Australia and New Zealand into Asia in 2017 has made it slightly more probable for both nations to feature at the world summit, but nonetheless, the old rivals will both be hunting a strong start to their Asian Qualifying campaign. 

A glance at the team selections for AUS / NZL gives you a fair indication of how the games will be treated... this isn't another international friendly. 

Boomers - Roster
Tall Blacks - Roster 

 

BASKETBALL ROADSHOW  

If participation and getting involved in activities is more of your thing - never fear, the Boomers roadshow comes with a week of activities for all involved in the sport. 

Featuring Kerry Williams & John Rillie  
 
Basketball Tasmania, in collaboration with Basketball Australia, is excited to offer a free Coaches Development opportunity in Hobart alongside Boomers training! 📋

This is a great chance to learn from Boomers and NBL coaches Kerry Williams and John Rillie. Come along, sharpen your toolkit, and connect with other coaches in the community. 🤝

Wednesday,
26 November | 12:45 – 3:30pm AEDT
 
Kingborough Sports Centre – Hobart
 
All Ages

 
Sign up via eTrainu. Registration available here 

 

Featuring Alanna Smith, Sean Macdonald, Josh Bannan & Ben Ayre
 
A one-of-a-kind clinic featuring stars of the Australian Boomers & Opals delivered by Basketball Australia alongside Basketball Tasmania. Every child will also receive an official Ford Aussie Hoops t-shirt and their very own basketball to take home. 🌟

Wednesday,
26 November | 4:15 – 6:00pm AEDT
 
Kingborough Sports Centre – Hobart
 
Ages 5 - 11

 
Registration available here 

Featuring FIBA Referee, Shannon Jennings  

 Basketball Tasmania is excited to partner with Basketball Australia to bring Shannon Jennings to Tasmania to host a referee workshop. Shannon is a FIBA accredited referee who will share insights on her officiating journey, referee mechanics, and effective communication techniques.

Thursday, 27 November | 7:30 – 8:30pm 
MyState Bank Arena, Hobart 
 
Registration available here 

Featuring Alanna Smith & Tess Madgen  
 
She Hoops is landing in Hobart for a special clinic headlined by Alanna Smith — the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year and a member of the 2024 Olympic All-Star Five - alongside her Olympic medalist teammate Tess Madgen.

This is a rare opportunity to be coached by one of the sport’s brightest stars and connect with leaders who are shaping the future of basketball in Australia.

Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, you’ll pick up on-court skills, leadership insights, and plenty of inspiration.

Saturday, 29 November | 9:00 – 11:00am AEDT  
Kingsborough Sports Centre – Hobart
 
 
Registration available here  

Tasmanian Logo

Hobart is the official host city of this FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifier and the event is supported by the Tasmanian Government.

For more events & activities visit Discover Tasmania or download and connect via Discover Tasmania phone app.