Courtside Cheers, Crossed Lines And The Future Of The NBL: A Fan’s Take

Courtside Cheers, Controversy, and the Future of the NBL: A Fan’s Perspective

We’ve all been there, the atmosphere in the arena is electric and our team is facing their next foe - the players between them and crucial points that will make a difference to ladder outcomes and fan bragging rights.

The fans around us get rowdy and there’s often a small group that are, let’s just say, a bit more vocal than the rest.  A level of comfort creeps in with the level of anonymity provided by a large crowd and our confidence in having an opinion that should be shared out loud - maybe not as loud as the small group across the way - grows…. All of a sudden we catch ourselves joining in with the mob, booing the ref for a call we don’t like and laughing at the jeers of the loud small group towards the oppositions players. An ego-driven player who knows that showmanship is part of the game is engaging with the crowd and begging for our reaction, so we provide it loudly.  The two people next to us get into an argument over a call.

It all seems harmless…just part of the game… until it’s not… 

Last weekend, Montrezl Harrell, the powerhouse from Adelaide, was in his element as the 36ers faced off against Melbourne United. His high energy and intensity on the court were palpable. Every time he made a big play, he'd engage with the crowd, pumping his fists and roaring in celebration. It was infectious and it added to the excitement and drama of the game.

But as the game wore on and the momentum shifted back and forth, the tensions in the crowd began to rise. Fans who had been cheering enthusiastically, started to become more aggressive with their comments. At first, it was just typical sports banter, but then it escalated. After a particularly heated moment on the court, a comment was shouted that crossed the line—a racial slur directed at Kendric Davis.

The atmosphere instantly changed. Harrell reacted - he was visibly upset and confronted the fan from the court. That’s when things really spiraled. The officials quickly intervened, and Harrell, along with Melbourne's Shea Ili, was ejected. Security came over and escorted the offending fans out of the arena also.

Who sets the standards for behaviour?

Witnessing this unfold was a stark reminder of the impact our words and actions can have, especially in such a charged environment. The majority of us are there to enjoy the game and support our teams, but when mob mentality, combined with heightened emotions and poor judgment take over, and fanfare crosses a line of human decency, it’s a disappointing state of play for everyone involved. 

Obviously in this example, a blatant line was crossed, but where is the actual line these days?  And are we all aligned on what this is? Is booing a referee or an opponent whileshooting free throws harmless banter? Or actually bad sportsmanship? Does it only cross the line when racial slurs are involved? Or is swearing and / or personal remarks of any kind also not to be tolerated in a family environment?

Sports leagues worldwide grapple with defining and maintaining boundaries of acceptable conduct- both on and off the court.  In the NBL, the responsibility lies with the range of moderators: referees, coaches, players, security, and the fans themselves. But the inconsistency in enforcing those standards is becoming apparent, especially when refereeing decisions seem to vacillate. For example, this season has seen players being cautioned against engaging with the crowd - a stark contrast to the passionate, interactive atmosphere that many fans crave.  Are these measures being put in place to prevent escalation, or do they reflect uncertainty about where the line should be drawn? 

And perhaps do we need a reminder of that as a society? With the escalating incidents of vocal and physical abuse on many sports sidelines, at every level across the country, I wonder if we need to get back to basics in defining the line, and educating kids, parents, players, and fans about sports etiquette, expected behaviours, and general sportsmanship? I would love to see creative promotion of what being a good fan looks like being driven by the NBL. Imagine campaigns that celebrate passionate, but respectful fandom, turning games into a showcase of what makes Australian basketball culture unique.

At its core, the NBL needs to establish clarity and consistency across all touch points of the game experience. This isn’t just about penalising bad behaviour; it’s about defining what the league stands for and aligning everyone involved, from referees, coaches and players, to fans and commentators, with that vision.

What “product” and identity is the NBL creating?

The NBL is clearly evolving, positioning itself as a global product that imports and exports talent. By bringing in NBA players and other international talent, the league has enhanced its skill level and entertainment value. But are they also importing the drama, the showmanship, and high-energy atmosphere that define American basketball culture?

Players like Montrezl Harrell bring more than just technical prowess - they bring larger than life personality that commands attention. Similarly coaches like Adam Forde and Chase Buford have embodied passion and intensity that can sway momentum and engage fans. Adding Andrew Bogut to the commentary team, highlights a push toward building a more dynamic and opinionated game narrative. Strong personalities and vocal perspectives can indeed “gee up” the experience, they also come with risks.  These elements make games more than just a contest of skill; they become spectacles, and the conversation and engagement continues far after the contest on the day.

With this evolution comes the challenge of moderation.  If the NBL wants to grow its live-stream following and global fan base, it must balance passion and unpredictability with control and respect. The league can’t afford to descend into chaos, nor can it stifle the very energy that keeps fans glued to their seats. After all, the NBL isn’t the WWE - it’s a basketball league striving to maintain its integrity while fostering entertainment.

Evolution of the game atmosphere

To create this balance, the league needs to unite its moderators - players, coaches, referees, DJs, and even the commentary team - around a shared vision of the NBL experience.  Everyone involved must understand where the organisation is heading, what behaviours are encouraged, where the boundaries lie, and have consistency in enforcement.

Referees need better support to make fair, consistent calls. Coaches and players must be encouraged to showcase their passion without crossing to unsportsmanlike conduct. And the fan experience should be curated to promote engagement and excitement while maintaining a family-friendly environment.

This holistic alignment of vision and expectations will create a consistent and enjoyable experience for fans, whether they are in the arena or watching from home.

Moving forward

The league has a chance to define itself not just through skill but through a unique Australian game-day experience that blends high energy entertainment with respect and sportsmanship.

Fans love the thrill of the game, but as the Harrell incident showed, unchecked emotions can derail even the most exciting moments. With a clear and consistent approach to moderation, and a clear identify, the NBL can create an environment that captivates audiences, grows its footprint, and sets a standard for excellence - both on and off the court.