Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA) has unveiled its 2026 men’s and women’s All Stars teams, with many of Australia’s leading Indigenous basketball players set to take on New Zealand’s Poitūkohu Māori Aotearoa in Cairns on Tuesday, 7 July.
Held during NAIDOC Week, the annual showcase presented by VicHealth celebrates elite Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori basketball athletes while highlighting the power of sport to strengthen culture, connection and community.
The men’s squad features National Basketball League (NBL) talent Biwali Bayles, Kobe McDowell-White and Johny Narkle, alongside newly signed Illawarra Hawks guard Amarco Doyle and Adelaide 36ers recruit Deonte Williams. Former Brisbane Bullets guard Tamuri Wigness also returns to the All Stars lineup, bringing experience and excitement to the backcourt.
The women’s team is equally stacked, led by Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) standouts Jessica and Hayley McDowell-White and Indiah Bowyer, with emerging and established Indigenous stars from across Australia completing a strong squad.
The 2026 event marks the second edition of the Trans-Tasman rivalry after IBA claimed victories in both the men’s and women’s games during the event in Melbourne last year.
IBA Basketball Operations Manager Tyson Demos said the All Stars event had quickly become one of the organisation’s marquee initiatives.
“Our annual All Stars event presented by VicHealth provides a platform for the country’s premier Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander basketball players to proudly represent their culture on an international stage,” Demos said.
“The event is about much more than basketball. It’s an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous and Māori culture, bring communities together, and inspire the next generation through sport.”
“Fans can expect two high-quality international contests, complemented by cultural performances and presentations that celebrate the rich traditions of First Nations peoples from both sides of the Tasman.”
“We’re excited to bring the event to Cairns and encourage the local community to pack out the Fish Tank for what’s shaping up to be a fantastic night. For those unable to attend, we encourage supporters across Australia and New Zealand to tune into the live stream.”
National Basketball League CEO Dave Stevenson said the league was proud to support the event during NAIDOC Week.
“The IBA All Stars Series is exactly the kind of event the NBL and WNBL are proud to support during NAIDOC Week,” Stevenson said.
“It’s an opportunity to celebrate the incredible depth of Indigenous talent within our game while recognising 50 Years of NAIDOC Week in a way that brings together basketball, culture and community.”
“We’re looking forward to seeing these outstanding athletes inspire fans both on and off the court in Cairns.”
IBA All Stars Men’s Team
IBA All Stars Women’s Team
Match Information
2026 IBA All Stars presented by VicHealth Tuesday, 7 July 2026
Venue: Trinity Ford Stadium (Cairns Basketball), 289 Aumuller Street, Manunda
Women’s Game: 6.00pm
Men’s Game: 8.30pm
