The Perth Wildcats Are Back, And The New Season Is Looking Like A Slam Dunk 

It’s been six slow, footy-filled months since we last saw the Perth Wildcats take the court, going down to the eventual NBL Champions, the Sydney Kings. 

It wasn’t quite the ending the Wildcats — or us, their faithful fans — had in mind, but after finishing fourth on the ladder with a 21-12 record and a strong run to the Playoffs, there’s a solid foundation to build on, and perhaps a little unfinished business to fuel NBL27.

Now, with two-time championship winner Angus Brandt back in the squad and a few fresh faces joining the mix, the Wildcats are looking to turn last season’s near miss into a championship-winning campaign. 

The Wildcats’ 2026-27 season starts at RAC Arena on Saturday, September 19th against the South East Melbourne Phoenix, kicking off a colossal season of big rivalries, high-stakes basketball, and plenty happening beyond the court. 

Wilbur, the Wildcats’ well-dressed mascot, is back. As are the mesmerising Wildcats Dancers and The Y Fan Zone, where families can get stuck into some pre-game face painting, photobooths, and more. Everyone’s favourite game-day ritual returns, too, with the roaring, raucous Red Army March. Led by Junkadelic Brass Band, the march winds from Murray Street Mall to Pirate Life Perth for a craft beer to help calm the nerves, before finishing at RAC Arena ahead of the tip-off. Everyone’s welcome to join at any part of the march — it’ll be loud and a fun way to support the team. 

Less than a week after the season opener, the Wildcats will face arch-rivals the Adelaide 36ers on Thursday, September 24th, for what promises to be a particularly spicy early-season clash. It’s a pretty compelling excuse to clock off, gather the crew, and swap your usual Thursday night plans for a few fun hours of on- and off-court action. 

A few nights later, on Saturday, September 26, the New Zealand Breakers will fly into town just in time for Perth to make a seamless transition from one kind of ball to another. Once the siren sounds on the AFL Grand Final, head to RAC Arena for a 7.30 pm tip-off and keep the sporting spirit going long after the premiership cup has been lifted. 

That’s the beauty of a Wildcats game: you don’t necessarily need to be able to explain a travelling violation to have a very, very good time. Bring the kids, meet your mates, come straight from the office with your colleagues or stroll in solo, draped in red, for the spectacle of a packed arena, electric fans, and a game that can turn on a dime. 

After six months away, it’s about time. 

The opening home game schedule & how to get tickets

Tickets to individual home games are available through Ticketek, or make a season of it with a 2026-27 Wildcats membership.