- Perth to host two Australian-exclusive Boomers games as part of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers
- Matches at RAC Arena mark the first time Western Australia will host a Boomers World Cup Qualifier and the team's first time back in Perth since 2019
- She Hoops program to run alongside Perth matches, aiming to encourage girls to get involved in basketball
- Events play a major role in the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy, supporting local jobs and local businesses
Australia's national men's basketball team is heading to Perth for two exclusive International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup Asian Qualifier matches in July 2026.
Secured by the Cook Government through Tourism WA, the Boomers will take on Guam on Friday, 3 July and the Philippines on Monday, 6 July at RAC Arena in two crucial showdowns, with both fixtures part of the team's qualification pathway for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The games mark the first time Western Australia has hosted a Boomers World Cup Qualifier, and the team's first appearance in Perth in almost seven years, having last played in Western Australia in 2019 against Canada as part of their preparations for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The two-match series is the only opportunity for fans to see the Boomers play in Australia during the Third Window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers - concluding Round One of the qualifiers which determines the teams that will advance to Round Two.
The Australian-exclusive, high stakes matches are expected to attract thousands of visitors to Western Australia, injecting millions of dollars into the economy - supporting the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy, local jobs, and tourism and hospitality businesses.
The Asian Qualifiers will be broadcast globally through FIBA's partners, including ESPN, Disney+, and Kayo, with the Australia and Philippines match also airing on free-to-air television in the Philippines.
The coverage will shine a global spotlight on Western Australia and its world-class sporting facilities, leveraging the millions of viewers who tuned in for the most recent Australia and Philippines game earlier this month in Manila.
Alongside the Boomers' games, Basketball Australia will also bring the She Hoops program to Perth in July, a national initiative designed to inspire and attract girls to get involved in the sport.
Pre-sales for the matches will commence Friday, 27 March at 2pm AWST, with general sales going live from 12pm AWST on Monday, 30 March.
Find out more and get tickets at premier.ticketek.com.au
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"The Boomers' return to Perth for the first time since 2019 is a fantastic win for our State, particularly with it being for such high stakes matches on their journey to the FIBA World Cup 2027.
"A key part of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy is to grow tourism by bringing premier events to Western Australia, which in turn attract visitors who fill our hotels, restaurants, and cafes, and ensures local jobs and businesses are supported.
"Our blockbuster Summer of Events showcased what WA can deliver, and we're keeping that momentum going by securing new and exciting events that guarantee we remain the fastest-growing events destination in the South East Asia region."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Saffioti:
"Securing these qualifying matches is a great result for Western Australia and a big boost for basketball in our State.
"Bringing the Boomers back to RAC Arena for the first time since 2019 will give local fans the opportunity to see one of Australia's most successful national teams play here in Perth.
"These matches will support WA jobs, with visitors staying in local hotels, eating at local restaurants, and shopping at local businesses.
"Importantly, events like this help grow the game at a grassroots level, and it's fantastic to see programs like She Hoops supporting more girls to get involved in the sport."
