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For the longest time, the NBA in the US has held the lion’s share of views from basketball fans, it comes without surprise with the amount of talent, the money, and the infrastructure that have been built around one of the USA’s biggest sports. But much like soccer and the spread of global superstars to more niche leagues, the NBL has started to carve out its own space and grab attention for a unique style of play, the growth of its competitive teams, and the unique opportunities it offers both up and coming players and fans too. So, it’s time to explore why the NBL in Australia may be worth checking out.
International Talent and Rising Stars
Whether it’s the old guard coming to the end of their career or world-class talent that just missed out on reaching the pinnacle of the basketball world, the NBL has become a hotspot for international talent to show just how good they are. Although a small step back for some, it does create a unique opportunity, not too different from soccer players moving to the middle east or the US to set a new legacy.
For the rising talents, the NBL has been a perfect home to not only hone their skills but also to grow their brand on a smaller stage before heading to the NBA – there are already a few players within the NBA like LaMelo Ball, RJ Hampton, and Josh Giddey that found their start in the NBL before taking the next step up. This all shows just how great the NBL is at attracting top talent.
Innovation in the NBL
On the same note as the rising stars, the NBL is well known for its innovation in developing huge talent too. The “Next Stars” program in the NBL attracts some of the best prospects in international basketball who aren’t yet eligible for the NBA draft and allows them to fast-track professional development.
Alternative leagues have also launched in the NBL that help to extend the season and bring more fun for the fans too. The NBL Cup is a mid-season tournament that brings more exciting basketball at a time when other leagues, including the NBA, are on a short-term break, keeping the basketball going for longer.
A Developing Market
Fans of basketball will surely know that the NBA is one of the most bet-on sports in all of the US, but that doesn’t mean the smaller leagues like the NBL are any less exciting to wager on either and it, in fact, offers a unique opportunity for a market that’s still developing to grow. There are plenty of great places to wager on the NBL, as this BlueBet Review by Nikola Jekic shows, and fans who really know their stuff about basketball can certainly take advantage of a betting market that’s still developing and growing.
More Accessibility
Live streaming and other live service platforms are growing what they are today. The league may be worth checking out just because it’s possible to do so! Although the time difference may lead to some difficulty watching live games, replays or catching games part of the way through is easier than ever before – the NBL is also further committed to ensuring that basketball fans from around the world have further opportunities to watch the games as often as possible.
Growing Fan Base and Great Game Atmosphere
With more accessibility for viewers and the attraction of other global talent, it’s leading to an explosion of fans within the NBL as Australian basketball fans are growing as well as international basketball fans too; all of this leads to a very vibrant game atmosphere with colourful crowd chants and more fun for viewers from all over.
From high-quality basketball, growing international talent, and the ability to watch games with ease are leading the NBL to be a fantastic choice for viewers looking for just more basketball to watch or new basketball fans looking to learn more about the sport and will be a league that looks to continue growing even further.
