The Illawarra Hawks are set to take part in the 2026 NBL Blitz, with the pre-season tournament getting underway in Bendigo today. The Hawks are representing the Illawarra region as teams prepare for the upcoming NBL season.

The NBL Blitz provides teams with an opportunity to test their squads before the regular season begins. For the Hawks, the tournament is an important part of preparations as players build match fitness and coaches assess combinations.

The first games of the tournament are being played in Bendigo, with the Cairns Taipans and Perth Wildcats scheduled to open the action. The Hawks will also be involved as teams from across the NBL compete during the pre-season event.

For Wollongong and the wider Illawarra region, the Hawks remain one of the area's major professional sporting teams. Their performances attract strong local interest and provide a major sporting connection between Wollongong and the national basketball competition.

The Blitz is also an important opportunity for newer players to demonstrate their abilities and for established players to develop chemistry with teammates. Coaches can use the matches to experiment with line-ups and strategies before competitive NBL games begin.

The Hawks' participation comes as basketball continues to grow as a major professional sport in regional NSW. Wollongong has a long association with the NBL, and the Illawarra Hawks remain an important part of the city's sporting identity.

Fans will be watching the team's performances closely during the tournament as the squad works towards the regular season. Results in pre-season competition are not necessarily an indication of regular-season performance, but the matches provide valuable preparation.

The report from Wave FM was published this morning, 2 September 2026, confirming that the Illawarra Hawks are set for the 2026 NBL Blitz.