NBL lock in January return for 2020-21 season

The NBL has confirmed it will start the 2020-21 campaign in mid-January, with a full home-and-away season to be contested.

The NBL has announced they will be back on court for season 2020-21 in mid-January Source: Getty Images

Every game of the upcoming 2020-21 NBL season will again be LIVE, FREE and in HD via SBS On Demand, with select games also live on SBS VICELAND.

Fans were able to attend two pre-season games between the Brisbane Bullets and the Adelaide 36ers on the weekend - their successful staging allowing officials to push ahead with tip-off plans. 

"It's our time and it's great to be in a position to be able to return to playing basketball during what have been challenging times for everyone and when people need sport and entertainment in their lives," NBL owner Larry Kestelman said.

The NBL season usually starts in October, after the conclusion of the AFL and NRL seasons, and had already been pushed back to December. 

The WNBL relaunched as a six-week season in Mackay, Townsville and Cairns - with players and officials in biosecure bubbles.

However, the recent COVID-19 outbreak in Adelaide has forced the Lightning into a week of quarantine, with their Tuesday game postponed and WNBL assessing its options.

Kestelman acknowledged the likelihood of similar hurdles for the NBL but said his intention was to play a full campaign "in front of as many fans as possible".

"We understand there will be challenges as there has been for all sports and we will need to manage these appropriately," he said.