Unsurprisingly, the National Basketball League (NBL) and Illawarra Hawks saw their attendance increase across the board this season. The Hawks saw a 10 percent rise in attendance as the league as a whole saw increases.
The Perth Wildcats set an attendance record this season, attracting 256,455 fans across their 28 games for an average of 12,974 per contest. In total, crowds rose 21 percent this season.
NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger spoke about the record-breaking season in a statement released on Wednesday:
“This has been another record breaking season for the league which has gone to a new level both on and off the court.
“These numbers are a credit to our clubs and players who put on an incredible show and to our passionate and loyal fans who are clearly enjoying a great entertainment product.
“What’s most pleasing is that every single team has enjoyed an increase in attendance in what is a crowded sports entertainment market across Australia and New Zealand.
“I’m sure we are going to see more big crowds turn out for what is one of the most anticipated finals series in NBL history and enjoy more outstanding basketball and entertainment.”
While Ball may not have been the sole reason for the increase in attendance, he played a big role. Illawarra’s game against Sydney during the regular season set an all-time single-game attendance record with 17.514 fans taking in the contest.
