Basketball fans across New South Wales are in for a treat as NBL1 East and Basketball NSW proudly announce that the 2026 Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 East Women’s and Men’s Grand Finals will be hosted at Guzman y Gomez Stadium on the Central Coast.
Set for Sunday, August 16, this highly anticipated double-header marks the return of the Grand Finals to their traditional Sunday timeslot for the first time since 2022, setting the stage for another unforgettable day of elite basketball.
Following another outstanding regular season, the league continues to reach new heights. The 2026 campaign has once again showcased the incredible depth of talent across the competition, with current and former NBL and WNBL stars, international imports, emerging prospects, and homegrown favourites combining to produce one of the most competitive seasons in NBL1 East history.
Basketball NSW’s Head of Competitions and Leagues, Liz Mills, believes the move to the Central Coast provides the perfect stage for the league’s biggest day.
“We were incredibly impressed by how the Central Coast hosted the Waratah League Finals last year, making it the clear choice to host this year’s NBL1 East Grand Finals. With the expanded seating capacity at Guzman y Gomez Stadium, we’re thrilled to provide an environment that will allow even more fans to experience the intensity and excitement of our league’s biggest day,” said Mills.
Central Coast Basketball’s Head of Basketball, Mikko Von Lueders, says the Association is honoured to be hosting this year’s big dance.
“Central Coast Basketball is thrilled to have the opportunity to host the NBL1 East Grand Final. It is a privilege to not only participate in this competition, but to be given the final stage and bear witness to the crowning of a new winner will be exciting for our community as well as those who will make the trip to our amazing venue on the beautiful Central Coast,” said Von Lueders.
The two Championship-winning teams will be joined by the reigning NBL1 East and NBL1 National Finals champions, the Canberra Gunners, in representing NBL1 East at the 2026 NBL1 National Finals in Adelaide the following weekend.
Should the Gunners successfully defend their Men’s Grand Final title, the runners-up will also qualify for the NBL1 National Finals, joining Canberra and the NBL1 East Women’s champions.
NBL1 East Grand Final ticket information will be released shortly.
Can’t make it to the Central Coast? Don’t worry, Kayo Freebies will stream both Grand Finals live, bringing all the action straight to fans around Australia.
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