Sal’s NBL Opening Night: Things You Need To Know

The 2022 Sal’s NBL season has arrived! Here’s what you need to know ahead of tip-off:

Top-6 Playoffs

The Top-6 teams make the playoffs in 2022, with the Top-2 regular season teams going straight to the semifinals.

Finals week is at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland from Aug 10- Aug 13 and looks like this:

Aug 10 |Prelim 1: 3rd v 6th

Aug 10 |Prelim 2: 4th v 5th

Aug 11 |Semi 1: 1st v winner of G1

Aug 12 |Semi 2: 2nd v winner of G2

Aug 13 |Grand Final: Winner of Semi 1 v Winner of Semi 2

Rosters

Rosters have been extended to a maximum of 18 (from 15) to help with any potential COVID-19 outbreaks throughout the season.

Each roster can have up to three imports.

Salary system is explained HERE.

New in Town

At the end of last season, the Auckland Huskies’ league license was purchased by the group that owns the ABL franchise, so we welcome the Auckland Tuatara to the Sal’s NBL in 2022.

They made a big splash with their first signing in Tall Black veteran Rob Loe. Their season begins on Saturday night at Eventfinda Stadium.

Where to watch

Every game of Sal’s NBL basketball is available to view anywhere in the world.

NZ: Every game live on Sky Sport. Every Saturday 7:30pm game live free-to-air on Prime.

US and Puerto Rico: ESPN

Everywhere else in the world: Livestreamed on FIBA YouTube channel.

MVP Votes

Just like the last few years in the Sal’s NBL, at the end of every game both head coaches attribute votes to who they think were the Top-5 players in that game. The votes are collated throughout the season (and shared on our social media platforms each week), forming a Top-10 list. A panel consisting of all 10 head coaches plus some commentators and league admins then votes from that Top-10 list on who should win league MVP.

Last year’s winner was Dion Prewster of the Wellington Saints.

Enjoy the show in 2022!! Let’s go!