Adelaide’s Vision for Bryce Cotton Sends Shockwaves Through the NBL

Adelaide’s Vision for Bryce Cotton Sends Shockwaves Through the NBL

• Adelaide 36ers GM Matt Weston reveals the club will work toward Bryce Cotton’s Australian citizenship in his first season.

• Weston states his ambition for Cotton to “retire in Adelaide,” signalling a long-term commitment to the NBL superstar.

• Perth Wildcats fans are left stunned, with Adelaide now poised to secure the legacy of one of the league’s all-time greats.

In a move that has stunned NBL fans—especially those in Perth—Adelaide 36ers General Manager Matt Weston has declared the club’s intent to build a long-term future with five-time MVP Bryce Cotton, with ambitions that stretch well beyond just the upcoming season.

Speaking candidly, Weston said:

“He wants to become an Australian. We will be working on doing this in the first season… I want him to retire in Adelaide.”

For Perth Wildcats supporters, those words hit hard. This is the kind of vision and commitment many hoped to see from their own front office. Cotton, who has been the face of the Perth franchise for years and is widely considered one of the greatest players in NBL history, was the heart and soul of the Wildcats dynasty. Now, that legacy may be rewritten in Adelaide colours.

The 36ers’ bold move doesn’t just signal their intent to contend for a championship—it’s a statement of long-term ambition. By working toward Cotton’s Australian citizenship and publicly expressing a desire for him to end his career in Adelaide, the club is laying the foundation for a new era—one that could see them become a powerhouse both on and off the floor.

For the NBL, this adds a dramatic layer to an already electric offseason. For Perth, it’s a sobering reminder of what could have been. And for Adelaide, it’s proof that they’re not just chasing titles—they’re building a legacy.