After years of dominating the NBL and becoming one of the most decorated players in league history, Bryce Cotton is officially set to make his long-awaited debut for the Australian Boomers.
Basketball Australia confirmed on Thursday that the six-time NBL MVP will represent Australia for the first time during the upcoming FIBA 2027 Basketball World Cup qualifiers in Perth, marking a historic new chapter in Cotton’s remarkable career.
Watch NBA with ESPN on Kayo Sports | Stream the best of the NBA Playoffs. | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
In a statement released by Basketball Australia, it was confirmed that NBL superstar Bryce Cotton will make his long-awaited debut for the Australian Boomers during the upcoming FIBA 2027 Basketball World Cup qualifiers at RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.
Cotton, who officially became an Australian citizen in September 2025, is set to pull on the green and gold for the first time when the Boomers take on Guam on July 3 and the Philippines on July 6.
‘City I call home’: Star’s multi-year deal after historic college career — NBL Free Agency
The six-time NBL MVP will front the media alongside Boomers associate head coach Dean Vickerman at an announcement event on Thursday morning.
“Representing the Australian men’s national basketball team for the first time is something I don’t take lightly. Coming from where I come from, this opportunity means a lot to me and my family,” Cotton said.
“Australia has embraced me from day one, and I’m grateful for the chance to wear the green and gold alongside a great group of guys. I’m excited, motivated, and ready to give everything I have for the country.”
The moment marks another major milestone in Cotton’s decorated career, with the Perth great set to make his Boomers debut at RAC Arena, the same venue where he built his legacy across more than nine seasons with the Perth Wildcats.
The July window will also provide the Boomers with an opportunity to integrate Cotton into the national program as preparations ramp up for the FIBA 2027 World Cup campaign.
“We’re excited to see what Bryce looks like as part of the Boomers program,” said Basketball Australia EGM of High Performance Jason Smith.
“We feel like he’s a great cultural fit and obviously he has a dynamic playmaking ability which has been on display with his performances at the elite level over the last decade.
“We think he’ll suit the physicality of the international format and the July window in Perth will give us a solid look at how he integrates to the FIBA game.”
Cotton’s debut will come in familiar surroundings, with Perth confirmed as host of the July qualifiers earlier this year in partnership with WA Tourism and TEG Sport.
Western Australia’s Minister for Tourism, Reece Whitby, welcomed the announcement.
Breakers’ brutal blow in coaching sweepstakes as experienced mentor talks fall flat
“Bryce Cotton has become a sporting icon in Western Australia, so it’s incredibly exciting to see him return to Perth to make his Australian Boomers debut here at RAC Arena,” Whitby said.
“These FIBA World Cup qualifiers are another fantastic addition to Western Australia’s major events calendar, attracting visitors and showcasing Perth as a world-class destination for international sport, all contributing to the WA Government’s economic diversification strategy to support local jobs and businesses.”