The Australian Boomers haven’t played in Perth since 2019. At that time, Bryce Cotton was still a Perth Wildcat, COVID wasn’t yet a thing, and Perth was the sunniest city in the world. On Friday night, that changes, as the Boomers walk back onto the court at RAC Arena for the first of two FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, and this round of qualifiers is being played exclusively in Perth.
The Cook Government secured the double-header through Tourism WA, as part of its strategy to bring major events to Perth. It’s the first time Western Australia has hosted FIBA World Cup Qualifier fixtures, with the matches usually being played on the east coast instead.
Former Perth Wildcat and six-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton is set to make his Australian debut in the green and gold. He’s joined by current and former Wildcats Ben Henshall, Elijah Pepper, and Keanu Pinder, with Perth-raised players Alex Condon and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk also included in the 12-man squad.
“The Boomers’ return to Perth for the first time since 2019 is a fantastic moment for Western Australia, and I encourage everyone to get their hands on tickets to watch this team in action,” Tourism Minister Reece Whitby told So Perth.
“Having a squad with such strong Western Australian ties, alongside fan favourites like Bryce Cotton, makes this series even more special for local fans.”
For anyone who has watched Cotton carve up the NBL at The Jungle, seeing him do it in a Boomers jersey is going to be very entertaining.
Who’s playing, and how do you get tickets?
- Boomers vs Guam — Friday, July 3rd
- Boomers vs Philippines — Monday, July 6th
Both games are at RAC Arena with tip-off at 6:30 pm
The two fixtures close out Round One of the Asian Qualifiers, the stage that determines which teams advance to the next Round on the road to the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Tickets are on sale now through Ticketek.
