The excitement is building for the 2026 Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 East Grand Finals, with the league’s biggest day of the season heading to the Central Coast on Sunday, 16 August at Guzman y Gomez Stadium.
Two championship battles are set to headline a huge day of basketball, with the Women’s Grand Final tipping off at 12:00 PM, followed by the Men’s Grand Final at 3:30 PM.
Game Day Details
Date: Sunday, 16 August 2026
Location: Guzman y Gomez Stadium, Central Coast
Women’s Grand Final
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs Bankstown Bruins
Tip-off: 12:00 PM
Doors Open: 11:00 AM
Men’s Grand Final
Sutherland Sharks vs Norths Bears
Tip-off: 3:30 PM
Doors Open: 2:45 PM
Limited Tickets Still on Sale With
There are limited tickets left for the 2026 Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 East Grand Finals, with fans encouraged to secure their spot now for what promises to be an unforgettable day of basketball.
Fans can purchase a combined ticket for both Grand Finals for just $35, while single-game tickets are available for $20.
With two championship games, entertainment and plenty happening around the venue, this is one day of basketball you will not want to miss.
Women’s Grand Final
The Women’s Grand Final will see the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles take on the Bankstown Bruins in a battle for the 2026 Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 East championship.
Manly are chasing history, with the Sea Eagles potentially becoming the first team to go back-to-back as NBL1 East champions. It will also mark their third Grand Final appearance in four years, underlining their consistency as one of the league’s premier programs.
Led by a star-studded roster and a group determined to finish the job, Manly will enter the Grand Final with one goal: bringing the championship back to the Northern Beaches.
Standing in their way are the Bankstown Bruins, who have completed one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the competition.
Bankstown started last season at 1-7, but the Bruins have steadily built a strong local core while adding top-tier talent to their roster.
The additions of WNBL alum Tahlia Tupaea, returning-from-injury star Shyla Heal, and 2024 NBL1 East Defensive Player of the Year Davida Dale have helped take Bankstown to another level, with the Bruins now just 40 minutes away from a championship.
It sets up a fascinating Grand Final clash between a Manly side looking to make history and a Bankstown program looking to cap off an incredible resurgence.
With both teams now just 40 minutes away from championship glory, expect an intense opening contest when the ball goes up at midday.
Men’s Grand Final
The Men’s Grand Final will see the Sutherland Sharks face the Norths Bears at 3:30 PM in a clash between two teams that have taken very different paths to the championship game.
It is the most in-form team in the competition against the most consistent.
The Sharks endured a difficult start to the season, opening their campaign at 1-4. But from there, Sutherland completely transformed its season, finishing the year 11-1, including a remarkable nine-game winning streak.
Now, the Sharks are just one win away from completing their remarkable turnaround and adding another championship to the club’s trophy cabinet, having previously been crowned NBL1 East champions in 2023.
Standing in their way are the Norths Bears, who have been the definition of consistency throughout 2026.
Norths opened the season with a statement, winning their first six games, and have never dropped below fourth place on the ladder throughout the campaign.
While the Sharks have surged into the Grand Final with momentum behind them, the Bears have spent the entire season proving they belong at the top end of the competition.
It sets up a fascinating battle between Sutherland’s late-season form and Norths’ remarkable consistency.
Now, everything comes down to one game.
Whoever handles the pressure, executes when it matters most and makes the big plays late will walk away as the 2026 Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 East Men’s Champions.
A Huge Day of Entertainment
The basketball will be just one part of the Grand Final experience at Guzman y Gomez Stadium.
Fans can enjoy a selection of food and beverage options on-site, along with activations throughout the day to keep the whole family entertained.
There will also be a Red Bull Hot Lap giveaway, giving fans the chance to get involved and take home an unforgettable experience.
With two Grand Finals, entertainment and activations all packed into one huge day, the Central Coast is set for a basketball celebration.
Grand Final Broadcast
Fans unable to make it to Guzman y Gomez Stadium will still be able to catch all the action live.
The Women’s Grand Final will feature the East Got Game crew of Lachy France and Jacinta Govind, with Caleb Fogarty providing sideline coverage.
The Men’s Grand Final will be called by Hamish Salburg and Lachie Beavis, with Caleb Fogarty again providing sideline coverage.
Adding to the atmosphere inside Guzman y Gomez Stadium will be Eric Stephens, who will take on court-announcing duties throughout the day.
Whether you’re in the stands or watching from home, make sure you don’t miss a minute of Grand Final action as the 2026 Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 East champions are crowned.
Be There for Grand Final Day
The Central Coast is set to host a massive day of NBL1 East basketball, with four teams arriving at Guzman y Gomez Stadium with one goal: to be crowned champions.
Will Manly make history and go back-to-back?
Can Bankstown complete its incredible resurgence?
Will Sutherland add a second championship to its trophy cabinet after claiming the 2023 title?
Or will Norths’ remarkable consistency finally be rewarded with championship glory?
There is only one way to find out.
Check out the program here.
Limited tickets are still on sale. Secure yours now and be there when history is made at Guzman y Gomez Stadium.
2026 Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 East Grand Finals
Guzman y Gomez Stadium, Central Coast
Sunday, 16 August 2026
🏀 Women’s Grand Final: Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs Bankstown Bruins
12:00 PM | Doors 11:00 AM
🏀 Men’s Grand Final: Sutherland Sharks vs Norths Bears
3:30 PM | Doors 2:45 PM
🎟️ Combined ticket: $35
🎟️ Single-game ticket: $20