Boomers eyeing World Cup Asia Qualifier clash with New Zealand

Tasmania takes centre stage 

On Friday 28th November, the Boomers will step onto the floor in front of a sell-out crowd at MyState Bank Arena in Hobart at 7:30PM AEDT, marking the beginning of their FIBA World Cup qualifying campaign. 

For Tasmanian fans, it’s a long awaited moment. A fully fledged Boomer’s fixture in Tasmania and a hungry squad ready to launch on another World Cup berth makes this a landmark night for the state. 

Tasmania’s basketball culture has surged in recent years, driven by the success and passionate following of the Tasmania JackJumpers. With that momentum in their corner, the Boomers’ arrival adds another milestone to the state’s growing basketball legacy. 

The road continues in Wellington 

Following the Hobart opener, Australia will face the New Zealand Tall Blacks again on 1 December, this time in Wellington. 

Both games carry significant weight with an opportunity to put a strong stride forward in the Asia Qualifiers. A strong start across these two fixtures would give the Boomers early momentum on their path to the 2027 FIBA World Cup. 

Tournament context & qualification  

A total of 80 national teams from the four FIBA regions, Africa, Americas, Asia & Oceania and Europe will compete in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers from November 2025 – March 2027. 

32 spots in total are available for the World Cup in 2027 which will be hosted in Doha, Qatar. 

16 teams will compete in the Asian Qualifiers for a total of seven spots. Qatar as the host nation, has automatically qualified. To secure one of the seven spots teams will need to progress through Two Rounds of Group stages. 

FIBA explainer available here. 

Vickerman leads a heavyweight coaching unit 

Head Coach Dean Vickerman once again takes the reins, bringing championship pedigree and trademark discipline to the national program.  

Vickerman recently guided the Boomers to a 2-1 series victory over New Zealand in the Trans-Tasman Throwdown in May, adding confidence ahead of the qualification window. 

The stakes for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup 

This double-header marks the first step on the qualification journey. Early wins will put the boomers in a commanding position within their group, which features: 

• New Zealand
• Philippines 
• Guam 

With limited games in each window, every result matters as Australia aim to secure a place in the 2027 FIBA World Cup.  

Limited tickets still remaining through TICKETEK.

How to follow the action 

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.