Short answers, pulled from the story.
The National Basketball League began play in August 1979 as the National Invitation Basketball League. It started with ten clubs and ran during the Australian winter months from April to September until 1998.
A major structural shift occurred when the competition moved to summer seasons starting with the 1998, 99 campaign to avoid direct conflict with Australia's popular winter football codes like rugby and Australian rules football. This decision allowed the NBL to become the third oldest continuing national sporting competition in the country behind cricket and the AFL.
Tasmania joined as the tenth team in the 2021, 22 season following an agreement with the Tasmanian Government. The New Orleans Pelicans will play exhibition matches at Rod Laver Arena in October 2025 as part of the NBA x NBL series.
The NBL Ignite Cup started on the 18th of June 2025 featuring mid-season Wednesday night games where points are awarded per quarter won. Salary caps rose steadily reaching $1,947,662.58 for the 2024, 25 season while maintaining a floor of $1,752,913.85.
Brian Bowen signed the first contract on the 7th of August 2018 assigned to the Sydney Kings receiving $100,000 plus housing and transport. Three players from this initiative became top ten NBA draft picks: LaMelo Ball third overall in 2020 Josh Giddey sixth in 2021 and Alex Sarr second in 2024.