The NBL finals 2026 are shaping as one of the most competitive campaigns in recent memory, with ladder pressure, late‑season momentum and star‑driven match‑ups all influencing how punters approach the postseason. As the contenders lock in their seedings, NBL finals odds 2026 continue to shift across Ladbrokes markets, reacting to form swings, injury updates and key head‑to‑head results. With every game carrying major stakes, NBL finals betting 2026 offers punters a wide range of opportunities — from outright winners and series lines to player performance markets and live in‑play action. Ladbrokes keeps you ahead of the movement with updated odds, expert insights and market‑driven analysis as the race for the championship intensifies.
The NBL Finals series plays out after the regular National Basketball League season is complete and pits the top four teams against each other in the race to the NBL Championship title. NBL Finals teams are determined by rankings on the NBL Ladder. The two top-ranked NBL clubs on the ladder get home venue advantage in the opening best-of-three rounds during the NBL semis hosting the fourth and third-ranked teams respectively.
NBL Finals Odds 2026
The NBL finals odds are starting to take shape as fans get a real feel for who’s built the right momentum heading into the postseason. With teams battling for seeding and stars hitting peak form at the right time, the market moves fast — one big win, one injury update, or one clutch performance can shift prices overnight. For punters who follow the league closely, NBL finals betting is all about reading those swings: spotting the teams that defend hard, share the ball well, and stay composed in tight fourth quarters. As the playoffs get closer, keeping an eye on the latest NBL finals odds at Ladbrokes helps you lock in value before the market reacts.
NBL 2026/27 Championship Betting
| Team | Odds | |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne United | 3.00 | Bet Now |
| Adelaide 36ers | 5.00 | Bet Now |
| Sydney Kings | 6.00 | Bet Now |
| South East Melbourne Phoenix | 7.00 | Bet Now |
| Tasmania JackJumpers | 8.00 | Bet Now |
| Illawarra Hawks | 11.00 | Bet Now |
| Perth Wildcats | 11.00 | Bet Now |
| New Zealand Breakers | 19.00 | Bet Now |
| Brisbane Bullets | 23.00 | Bet Now |
| Cairns Taipans | 26.00 | Bet Now |
NBL odds correct as of 19/09/2026 and subject to change.
NBL Finals Predictions
The NBL finals picture is becoming clearer, and fans can feel the intensity building as the top teams start to separate themselves from the pack. When you’re looking at NBL finals predictions, it’s less about hype and more about the habits that win playoff basketball — consistent defence, reliable shot‑creation, and players who don’t shy away from big moments. Squads that move the ball well and stay composed in tight fourth quarters usually translate regular‑season form into genuine finals success, while teams relying on streaky shooting or shallow rotations often get exposed under postseason pressure.
From a punter’s perspective, NBL finals betting is all about reading momentum. A team that’s locked in defensively, getting production from its bench, and winning tough road games is usually the one trending upward in the market. Injuries, travel load, and late‑season fatigue can shift the narrative quickly, so staying across form lines and matchup dynamics is key. As the bracket takes shape, expect NBL finals odds to tighten around the teams showing genuine championship traits — discipline, depth, and the ability to close out games when everything is on the line.
NBL Finals Format
NBL Semi-Finals
- 1st plays 4th: Best of three games
- 2nd plays 3rd: Best of three games
NBL Grand Final
- Winners of the two Semi-Finals series face off for the NBL Championship
The system in place for all National Basketball League finals is the best-of-three series tournament and the winners of the NBL Finals Week 1 progress onto the Grand Final.
The NBL Grand Final Series – also a best-of-three format – sees the series 1 winner take on the champion in the second series from the earlier round. The highest seeded of the two teams left in the title fight gets home court advantage.
The Perth Wildcats are the most successful team to date boasting seven NBL Championship titles.
NBL Finals Betting
The NBL Finals bring the season’s playoffs to an end and betting on the NBL Grand Finals series is hugely popular. NBL Championship betting is open all season with outright basketball odds on offer for each team to take out the title.
Recent Finals Results: NBL Champions
| Year | NBL Champions | Runners-Up | Grand Final Series Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022/23 | SYDNEY KINGS | NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS | 3-2 |
| 2021/22 | SYDNEY KINGS | TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS | 3-0 |
| 2020/21 | MELBOURNE UNITED | PERTH WILDCATS | 2-1 (Series cancelled following Game 3 due to COVID-19) |
| 2019/20 | PERTH WILDCATS | SYDNEY KINGS | 2-1 (Series cancelled following Game 3 due to COVID-19) |
| 2018/19 | PERTH WILDCATS | MELBOURNE UNITED | 3-1 |
| 2017/18 | MELBOURNE UNITED | ADELAIDE 36ERS | 3-2 |
| 2016/17 | PERTH WILDCATS | ILLAWARRA HAWKS | 3-0 |
| 2015/16 | PERTH WILDCATS | NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS | 2-1 |
| 2014/15 | NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS | CAIRNS TAIPANS | 2-0 |
| 2013/14 | PERTH WILDCATS | ADELAIDE 36ERS | 2-1 |
| 2012/13 | NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS | PERTH WILDCATS | 2-0 |
| 2011/12 | NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS | PERTH WILDCATS | 2-1 |
| 2010/11 | NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS | CAIRNS TAIPANS | 2-1 |
| 2009/10 | PERTH WILDCATS | WOLLONGONG HAWKS | 2-1 |
| 2008/09 | SOUTH DRAGONS | MELBOURNE TIGERS | 3-2 |
| 2007/08 | MELBOURNE TIGERS | SYDNEY KINGS | 3-0 |
| 2006/07 | BRISBANE BULLETS | MELBOURNE TIGERS | 3-1 |
| 2005/06 | MELBOURNE TIGERS | SYDNEY KINGS | 3-0 |
| 2004/05 | SYDNEY KINGS | WOLLONGONG HAWKS | 3-0 |
| 2003/04 | SYDNEY KINGS | WEST SYDNEY RAZORBACKS | 3-2 |
| 2002/03 | SYDNEY KINGS | PERTH WILDCATS | 2-0 |
| 2001/02 | ADELAIDE 36ERS | WEST SYDNEY RAZORBACKS | 2-1 |
| 2000/01 | WOLLONGONG HAWKS | TOWNSVILLE CROCODILES | 2-1 |
| 1999/00 | PERTH WILDCATS | VICTORIA TITANS | 2-0 |
NBL Finals Records
NBL Finals Appearances
The Perth Wildcats have made 35 NBL Finals appearances up until the 2021/22 including 35 straight since 1987 making them the dominant team.
The Adelaide 36ers follow with the second-highest number of NBL Finals appearances (25).
The Illawarra Hawks are the only NBL team to have played all seasons since 1979 of the current active teams listed in the below Finals records.
| Team | Appearances | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Perth Wildcats | 35 | 35 straight Finals appearances since 1987. |
| Adelaide 36ers | 25 | Formerly the Adelaide City Eagles (1982 only). |
| Brisbane Bullets | 22 | Foundation club since 1979. |
| Illawarra Hawks | 21 | Only team to play all seasons since 1979. |
| Melbourne Tigers | 21 | Left NBL in 2014, now in NBL1 South. |
| North Melbourne Giants | 15 | Last season in 1998. Formed the Victoria Titans in 1998. |
| Sydney Kings | 17 | Formerly the Sydney Supersonics and the West Sydney Westars. |
| Canberra Cannons | 11 | Last season in 2003. Became the Hunter Pirates in 2003. |
| Townsville Crocodiles | 10 | Competed in the league for 24 seasons. Last season in 2016. |
| Cairns Taipans | 8 | Joined the NBL in 1999. |
| Eastside Spectres | 8 | Last season in 1991. Formed the South East Melbourne Magic in 1992. |
| New Zealand Breakers | 9 | Joined the NBL in 2003. First club outside of Australia. |
| South East Melbourne Magic | 7 | Last season in 1998. Formed the Victoria Titans in 1998. |
| Newcastle Falcons | 6 | Competed in the league for 21 seasons. Last season in 1999. |
| Melbourne United | 5 | Team formed in 2014, and represents the whole of Melbourne. |
| Geelong Supercats | 4 | Last season in 1996. Now in NBL1 South. |
| Victoria Titans | 4 | Became the Victoria Giants in 2002. |
| West Adelaide Bearcats | 4 | Last season in 1984. Now in NBL1 Central. |
| Gold Coast Blaze | 3 | Last season in 2012. |
| St. Kilda Saints | 3 | Last season in 1991. Formed the South East Melbourne Magic in 1992. |
| West Sydney Razorbacks | 3 | Became Sydney Spirit in 2008. |
| Hunter Pirates | 2 | Last season in 2006. Became the Singapore Slingers in 2006. |
| South Dragons | 2 | Left the NBL in 2009. |
| Sydney Supersonics | 2 | Formed the Sydney Kings in 1988. |
| Launceston Casino City | 1 | Last season in 1982. |
| Singapore Slingers | 1 | Left the NBL in 2008. Joined the ABL in 2009. |
| South East Melbourne Phoenix | 1 | Joined the NBL in 2019. |
| West Sydney Westars | 1 | Formed the Sydney Kings in 1988. |
Table Credit: Wiki