Basketball Australia alongside events partner TEG Sport and the Tasmanian Government has announced that the Australian Boomers will host New Zealand in a FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 qualifier at MyState Bank Arena on Friday, 28 November.
Boomers Olympian and Asia Cup captain Will Magnay was joined by the Honourable. Jane Howlett MP this morning, alongside Matt Scriven, CEO of Basketball Australia, and Ben Smith, CEO of Basketball Tasmania, for the major announcement.
“Tasmania is a special place, and the fans have gone to another level in embracing the game here,” said Magnay, Australian Boomer.
“I feel lucky to be a part of the momentum over the last few years, with the Jackies and now with an opportunity to represent as an Australian Boomer. The game in November against the Tall Blacks will be the first challenge in the World Cup run, and we will be ready to meet it.”
The Trans-Tasman rivalry qualifier marks the first Boomers fixture hosted in Tasmania since a 2006 Oceania Championship matchup.
“It’s a privilege to be here to announce that the Boomers will take the first crucial step in their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 campaign against the Tall Blacks here in Hobart,” said Matt Scriven, CEO of Basketball Australia.
“Tasmania has a rich culture of basketball across all levels of the sport — from community and grassroots through the pathways and professional leagues, and ultimately to the national teams representing Australia,” added Scriven.
“We are delighted to have the support of the Tasmanian Government and Basketball Tasmania to bring these games to such a passionate and deserving basketball community and thank them for their support and dedication in making these games a reality.”
The return of the Boomers to the Apple Isle reflects Basketball Australia’s commitment to touring international fixtures and the Tasmanian Government’s role in providing a world-class destination for tourism and events.
“Tasmania is thrilled to be hosting the Australian Boomers’ first game towards qualifying for the 2027 FIBA World Cup — and its first-ever World Cup Qualifier,” said the Hon. Jane Howlett, Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events.
“Tasmanians love their basketball, and I know that they will come along and support our Aussie Boomers as they take on New Zealand on 28 November.”
“This event is a significant boost for Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality sectors as we host travelling fans in Hobart and continue to strengthen our reputation as a world-class host for major events,” said the Hon. Jane Howlett, Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events.
AusPlay data collated by Sport Australia shows that 1.3 million Australians participate in the game nationwide, with basketball ranking as the fastest-growing team sport in the country.
The game currently sits among the top five most played sports for children aged five to 14, with more than 350,000 regular junior participants.
The rise of basketball has also made an impact in Tasmania, particularly in junior participation, with an 88% increase in Ford Aussie Hoops participants recorded in 2024.
“With participation growing at all levels across our state, the Boomers’ presence shines a light on the pathways available for young Tasmanian athletes who dream of representing their country,” said Ben Smith, CEO of Basketball Tasmania.
BOOMERS v TALL BLACKS
| Competition | Date & Time | Venue |
| FIBA World Cup 2027 – Asian Qualifiers | Friday, 28 November / Tip Off: 7:30 AEDT | MyState Bank Arena - Hobart, Tasmania |
Tickets go live on sale tomorrow, Wednesday - 15 October at 1:00pm AEDT via Ticketek.
Hobart is the official host city of this FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifier and the event is supported by the Tasmanian Government.
