Boomers inbound for Perth for a FIBA World Cup qualifying double

The Australian Boomers are returning to Perth for the first time since 2019 with a double-header in July against Guam and Philippines at RAC Arena. 

The Boomers advance their World Cup qualification into the basketball heartland of the West, with games against rising underdogs Guam on 3 July before shifting to rivals Gilas Pilipinas on 6 July.  

During their visit, Basketball Australia will tour trailblazing program She Hoops with an exclusive clinic for aspiring young female basketball stars, while members of the Boomers roster will participate in extended community activity.   

Five-time Olympian and Boomer #79, Andrew Vlahov was in attendance at the launch event this morning in Perth alongside representatives from the Binar Futures basketball program.  

He was joined by emerging star Ben Henshall, who spoke to the significance of the Boomers' return and the infamous Red Army.   

“It’s great to see these games coming to Perth, obviously, growing up in WA with aspirations of playing at RAC Arena, so it’s wild to be here with the potential to do it with the Boomers, said Henshall.  

“There’s something special about the fans here. Coming in as a developing player with the Wildcats, the support they have for me is unreal. They get behind you,”

“I have no doubt the Red Army will turn Green & Gold for the Boomers.”

The games in July will mark the first-ever international FIBA fixtures hosted in Perth, which reflects the reputation as a thriving and growing basketball city.

The events have been made possible with the support of the Western Australian Government through Tourism WA, and event partners TEG Sport.

Western Australia’s Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA said, 

“The Boomers’ return to Perth for the first time since 2019 is a fantastic win for our State, particularly with it being for such high-stakes matches on their journey to the FIBA World Cup 2027,”

“A key part of the Cook Government’s economic diversification strategy is to grow tourism by bringing premier events to Western Australia, which in turn attract visitors who fill our hotels, restaurants and cafes, and ensure local jobs and businesses are supported,”

"Our blockbuster Summer of Events showcased what WA can deliver, and we’re keeping that momentum going by securing new and exciting events that guarantee we remain the fastest-growing events destination in the South-East Asia region.” 

Matt Scriven, Chief Executive Officer of Basketball Australia said, 

“It is fantastic to return the Australian Boomers to Perth for the first time in almost seven years,” 

“As we look ahead to some of the most important years in Australian men’s basketball, including the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar, the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, it is vital for the Boomers to play in front of their fans across the country and there is no stronger fanbase than Perth,”

“We thank Tourism WA, the WA Government and Basketball WA for their support to return to Perth as well as the ongoing commitment and funding from the Australian Government through the Win Well 2032 strategy.”

Rachael Carrol, Managing Director of TEG Sport said, 

“We are thrilled to be the official event partner for these Boomers FIBA Qualifier Games in Perth this July.,” 

“This collaboration perfectly aligns with TEG Sport's mission to deliver high-quality, unforgettable sporting experiences, and we can't wait for fans to witness world-class basketball in Western Australia.”

Members of Basketball Australia, Basketball WA, Ticketek and partnering organisations will be provided a window of priority access. 

The members' PRE SALE window will commence from 2:00 pm AWST on Friday 27 March , with access and directions delivered via your registered email.  

General Public ON SALE tickets will go LIVE via Ticketek from 12:00 pm AWST on Monday, 30 March.  

'The Boomers FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Perth is supported by the Western Australian Government through Tourism WA.