For years, Australian basketball fans have crossed the Pacific to see their heroes in the NBA.

Now, for the first time, the NBA has crossed the ocean in return.

The New Orleans Pelicans have touched down in Melbourne for a landmark series against NBL powerhouses Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix.

These will be the first official NBA games ever played on Australian soil.

A first for Australian hoops

The NBAxNBL Melbourne Series marks a breakthrough moment in basketball's global expansion.

While Australian clubs have been travelling to the US since 2016 to take on NBA teams in pre-season exhibitions, this is the reverse; an NBA franchise making the trip to play in front of Australian fans.

For Melbourne, a city with a rich sporting tradition, hosting Zion Williamson and the Pelicans at Rod Laver Arena is another milestone for its sporting calendar.

It's no accident the Pelicans were chosen for the honour.

The franchise has strong ties to Australia, from the brief but impactful stint of Dyson Daniels to the broader recognition of the country's pipeline of NBA-ready talent, including Patty Mills, Andrew Bogut, and Josh Giddey.

Bringing New Orleans to Melbourne feels like a full-circle moment in the ongoing basketball exchange between the two nations.

More than just basketball

This trip isn't only about two games of hoops.

Across four days, the NBA and NBL have built a festival atmosphere.

Fans can attend open practices, meet Hall of Famers Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, and take part in grassroots clinics designed to inspire the next wave of Australian ballers.

For the Pelicans themselves, the trip doubles as a crucial bonding exercise.

After a disappointing 2024–25 run, New Orleans has retooled its roster with the addition of Jordan Poole and lottery pick Jeremiah Fears alongside Zion and Trey Murphy III.

With so many new faces, a 20-hour flight and a week in Melbourne might be the best chemistry test head coach Willie Green could ask for.

What fans can expect

On the floor, the buzz is all about Zion. Fully healthy and in shape after a back injury limited him last season, Williamson is primed to showcase his power against NBL defenders.

Expect the Pelicans' stars to feature early in both games, before rotations deepen to give younger players their chance.

For United and the Phoenix, it's an opportunity to test themselves against the world's elite, while Next Star Dash Daniels will relish the spotlight with NBA eyes watching.

But beyond the box scores, the impact of these games will be measured in atmosphere.

To be broadcast worldwide, the games highlight Australia not only as a producer of NBA talent but also as a basketball destination.

A milestone for Melbourne

Melbourne is already the only city outside North America to produce three No. 1 NBA Draft picks.

Hosting the Pelicans cements its status as a global basketball capital.

From the AFL Grand Final to the Australian Open, the city has proven time and again it can stage world-class events.

As tip-off approaches against Melbourne United on Friday and South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday, the significance is clear.

This is more than a preseason pit stop for New Orleans.

It's a moment Australian basketball fans have dreamed of for decades: the NBA, in their backyard, finally coming to play.