Your Ultimate 2025 NBL1 National Finals Preview

The big dance is back once more, with the best NBL1 teams from around the country ready to fight it out.

The NBL1 National Finals are back!

Canberra plays host to the tournament of champions in 2025, and their men’s team will be one of the lucky few contending after claiming grand final victory in the East.

The big news coming into the nationals this year is the withdrawal of 2024 men’s winners Knox, with Illawarra to take their place as the minor premiers of the host conference. The Raiders will still have a presence, with their women’s side the heavy favourites.

Here is a breakdown of all the teams heading to the big dance, with only the West still yet to decide a champion.

2024 CHAMPIONS

Women | Waverley Falcons

2025 Record: 17-7 (eliminated in semi-final)

Key Players: Bec COLE (22.4p/4.8r/5.7a), Carly ERNST (14.2p/8.6r/2.9a), Katelyn SHUMATE (11p/6.3r/1.5a)

Waverley produced another impressive year but were unable to replicate their championship winning ways from 2024. They do however have themselves a ticket to the big dance thanks to winning the national title last year.

The duo of Bec Cole and Carly Ernst will prove crucial, while the addition of Katelyn Shumate this year has been a handy one. They are every chance of once again reaching the final game of the 2025 NBL1 season.