Leading hotel group Choice Hotels Asia-Pac™ is delighted to announce a dynamic new collaboration with the National Basketball League (NBL) and its feeder league, NBL1, marking a bold step forward in connecting sport, travel and hospitality across Australia and New Zealand.
As the Official Hotel and Accommodation Partner, Choice Hotels Asia-Pac is stepping onto the court with one of Australasia’s fastest-growing sporting leagues, bringing fans closer to the action, supporting players at every level and unlocking new opportunities for franchisees to boost visibility and bookings across Australia and New Zealand.
Choice Hotels Asia-Pac Senior Director, Commercial and Revenue Management, Kari Hunter said the team is thrilled to align with the NBL and NBL1, and sees the partnership as a powerful way to connect fans, teams and partners alike to more than 7,500 hotels worldwide.
“We’re excited to be part of the NBL’s incredible growth story,” said Hunter.
“This partnership gives us a platform to showcase our hotel brands alongside elite athletes, 10 NBL teams and 76 NBL1 teams while also delivering tangible benefits to our franchisees through increased brand visibility, bookings and community engagement.
“Our Choice Sports Travel Program is a game-changer for NBL1 and community clubs, offering discounts off our best available rates for registered teams, and a rebate back to their clubs. It’s a practical fundraising tool that supports local sport while driving occupancy for our hotels.
“And with our award-winning Choice Privileges loyalty program, fans and guests can earn points on every stay and redeem them for reward nights, airline miles and more, making every game day trip even more rewarding.
“This isn’t just about putting our logo on the court, it’s about being part of the journey, from grassroots to elite, and helping basketball communities thrive across the region.”
NBL Chief Partnerships Officer Shenae Beus said Choice Hotels’ commitment to community and sport made them a natural fit for the league.
“The NBL is experiencing unprecedented growth, not just at the professional level, but in grassroots participation, especially among young players,” said Beus.
“Partnering with Choice Hotels allows us to better support our teams, fans, families, and the wider basketball community by making travel to games and tournaments more convenient, comfortable and affordable. We’re thrilled to have them on board for NBL26 and beyond.
“This partnership means more people can get to more games, more often. It’s a win for everyone who loves the game.”
Basketball is one of Australia’s highest team participation sports, with over 1.3 million players nationwide, according to the latest AusPlay data. The NBL and NBL1 represent not only elite competition, but also a deep connection to grassroots clubs and regional communities – values that align perfectly with Choice Hotels’ commitment to accessibility, community and unforgettable guest experiences.
Fans will see Choice Hotels integrated across the NBL experience, from LED signage courtside to broadcast integration, digital activations, and exclusive player content. These high-impact touchpoints will be supported by fan-focused campaigns that drive audiences to choicehotels.com and into hotel stays, delivering real value for franchisees and elevating brand presence across the region.
For more details about the Choice Sports Travel Program, which is open to all sports clubs and associations in Australia and New Zealand, see choicehotels.com/en-au/groups/sports-travel.
About us:
Choice Hotels Asia-Pac has more than 300 hotels across the Asia-Pacific region, representing more than 25,000 rooms and making it the region’s largest hotel franchise group. Brands under the Choice Hotels banner include the Ascend Hotel Collection, Clarion, Quality, Comfort and Econo Lodge. Choice Hotels Asia-Pac is a wholly owned subsidiary of Choice Hotels International, a publicly listed (NYSE: CHH) company in the United States. A challenger in the upscale segment and a leader in midscale and extended stay, Choice has more than 7,500 hotels, representing over 650,000 rooms, in 46 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com.
Contact details:
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Emily Stojcevski | [email protected] | 0409 552 913
Angelina Tully | [email protected] | 0456 542 990