The NBL’s HoopsFest is returning to Perth for a third consecutive season, with the league unveiling a four-time NBA All-Star as its new NBA Ambassador following last season’s controversial visit from NBA legend Allen Iverson, which sparked widespread backlash.
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NBA veteran and Olympic gold medallist DeMarcus Cousins has been announced as the new face of HoopsFest for NBL27, with the former fifth overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft set to return Down Under after a brief visit in May for the NBA House Australia event.
The 6’10” big man spent 11 seasons in the NBA, playing 674 regular-season games across several clubs, most notably the Sacramento Kings, where he established himself as one of the league’s premier centres.
He last appeared in the NBA during the 2021-22 season with the Denver Nuggets.
“I am excited to get back to Australia and experience all Perth has to offer,” he said.
“After receiving such a warm welcome on my last visit. Western Australia is meant to be incredible in January, and it’s a dream to finally experience it first-hand.
“I want to explore the beaches, head over to Rottnest Island and hopefully meet a quokka, and try a glass of Margaret River’s incredible wine, all while watching some amazing games with the fans. Can’t wait to see you there.”
The announcement comes after last season’s visit from Iverson left many fans underwhelmed, with the NBA legend facing criticism over several incidents during his time in Australia, including a controversial meet-and-greet involving Challenge, a not-for-profit organisation that supports children and families living with cancer.
Iverson and his management reportedly left children and families waiting for hours, with some claiming they had travelled more than six hours to attend the event.
One attendee took to Reddit to voice their frustration over the experience.
“After waiting hours, his security firmly told us he is not signing anything at all,” the post continued.
“We did not get to talk to him, and he did not say a word to anyone.”
At the time, Challenge CEO David Rogers also expressed his disappointment with how the event unfolded.
“Challenge was deeply disappointed with the meet and greet involving Allen Iverson,” Rogers said.
Adding to the controversy surrounding Iverson’s Australian visit, NBL legend Chris Anstey had also publicly expressed his disappointment after the former NBA superstar failed to appear at an event in Melbourne just days earlier.
The free event had been promoted as a guest speaking appearance by Iverson, with some fans travelling interstate to attend the Melbourne function.
“Really, really disappointing for the kids, including my young fellow, who is reasonably distraught,” he said
“I’ve heard a few of these stories floating around Perth, but it’s pretty disappointing when it’s a 2 to 4 o’clock event. It’s now 4:15 and Iverson is not turning up.”
The NBL itself was also reportedly affected by issues surrounding Iverson’s visit, with CODE Sports reporting that the former NBA MVP had not been fully co-operative with the league during HoopsFest in Perth.
Cousins’ arrival in Perth will also reunite him with fellow Kentucky alumnus and current Wildcats import Brandon Knight, with the pair representing the powerhouse college program in consecutive seasons between 2009 and 2011.
He also has connections to several familiar NBL faces, having played alongside Adelaide 36ers superstar Bryce Cotton for Mets de Guaynabo in Puerto Rico’s BSN competition in 2025.
The team was coached by current South East Melbourne Phoenix head coach Josh King during the NBL off-season.
During HoopsFest, Cousins will sit courtside for NBL and WNBL games at RAC Arena, while also connecting with fans throughout the five-day festival.
With his larger-than-life personality and previous experience in Australia, the four-time NBA All-Star will be one of the headline attractions as the league looks to move on from the controversy surrounding last season’s ambassador.
The third edition of NBL HoopsFest will take place in Perth from January 13-17, 2027, featuring five nights of double-headers involving every team from the Hungry Jack’s NBL and WNBL.
The festival will coincide with Round 17 of the NBL27 regular season and Round 14 of the WNBL27 season.
Tickets and further information are available through the official HoopsFest website.
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