The New Orleans Pelicans will play two Melbourne teams in pre-season games in Melbourne in October, bringing the National Basketball Association (NBA) to Australia for the first time.

The NBL has been something of a feeder system to the NBA, among the various international leagues. Three of the top 40 players in last summer's 2024 NBA Draft hailed from NBL clubs, including No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr — now with the Washington Wizards.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, left, and guard Trey Murphy III celebrate as guard CJ McCollum slams the ball through the net against the Phoenix Suns during the sec

The New Orleans Pelicans will head to Melbourne this October for the NBA's first games in Australia. The league announced Monday that the Pelicans will face Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix in a pair of preseason games on Oct.

The franchise will play two matches in October against Melbourne clubs at Melbourne Park, venue of the Australian Open tennis.