Wildcats to face Cairns Taipans in Karratha for historic pre-season showdown

The Perth Wildcats will bring NBL action to the Pilbara in August, taking on the Cairns Taipans in a history-making pre-season game in Karratha, presented by Rio Tinto.

The game will be played at Karratha Leisureplex on Saturday 22 August, the 60th anniversary of Rio Tinto’s first shipment of iron ore from the Pilbara, providing an opportunity to celebrate the milestone alongside the communities where its people live and work.

The official NBL pre-season fixture will provide basketball fans across the Pilbara with a unique opportunity to experience live NBL action close to home, while continuing to strengthen the connection between the Club and regional Western Australia.

Perth Wildcats owner Mark Arena said the Club was proud to take the game to regional Western Australia, and for the Wildcats to play their first-ever game in Karratha.

"The Pilbara has a strong basketball community and we're excited to bring a Wildcats game to Karratha. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with our fans across regional Western Australia and continue growing the game at all levels.

"Basketball is beloved and continues to grow strongly in regional communities and we're looking forward to bringing an NBL pre-season game to Karratha and inspiring the next generation of players.

"Our partnership with Rio Tinto has made this possible, and we're excited to create a special experience for the community,” Arena said.

Ahead of the game, Wildcats players and coaches will deliver a series of community basketball clinics for local juniors and community participants, providing young athletes with the opportunity to learn from some of the game's best. Focused on participation, skill development and building connections with the local basketball community, the clinics will help inspire the next generation while strengthening grassroots pathways across the region.

Since partnering with the Wildcats in 2023, Rio Tinto has supported basketball clinics and community programs that have engaged almost 2,000 children across Western Australia, helping grow participation, strengthen grassroots pathways and deepen the connection between the Club and communities across the Pilbara.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Matthew Holcz said the historic game was a special way to celebrate with the communities that have been central to the company’s journey for six decades.

“The Pilbara has been the home of our iron ore operations for 60 years and will be for decades to come. 

“It’s fantastic to bring the Perth Wildcats to Karratha for the first-time, giving the people and communities who help shape our company everyday a front row seat to the action.

"Our partnership with the Perth Wildcats helps bring elite sport to regional Western Australia, creating opportunities for young people to participate, develop their skills and strengthen their connection with the game. 

"Together, we're helping support grassroots basketball and inspire the next generation, while strengthening connections and supporting healthy, thriving communities where we live and operate,” Holcz said.

Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans CEO Mark Beecroft thanked Rio Tinto and the Wildcats organisation for the chance to be part of the history-making match.

"This is a great way for our Club to begin our pre-season. As the only national team of Cairns, we are well-travelled throughout regional Queensland, and we are excited to further the Taipans connection into the regions of Western Australia. We look forward to engaging with the community of Karratha and thank Rio Tinto and the Wildcats for this wonderful opportunity.”

Further details, including ticketing information and community clinic registrations, will be released in the coming weeks.

*On 22 August 1966, the Houn Maru, carrying iron ore mined at Tom Price,
departed the port of Dampier bound for Japan with Rio Tinto’s first shipment of Pilbara iron ore.