Illawarra Hawks are the 2025 NBL Champions!

And just like that, the 2025 NBL season has come to a thrilling close! The Illawarra Hawks capped off a sensational season by clinching the NBL25 Championship, defeating Melbourne United 3-2 in a dramatic Game 5.

Finishing as the league's best team and topping the ladder during the regular season, the Hawks carried their momentum into the finals. The first four games of the Championship Series went back and forth, with the away team winning each of them. Based on this, it looked like United were set to win game 5 in rival territory. However, the Hawks tuned the tables in the final game to be the first team to win a home game this series and secure a historic victory.

A record crowd filled the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong to witness the Hawks’ second-ever championship win, following their first title in the 2000-2001 season. The atmosphere was electric as the city celebrated this memorable win.

Trey Kell III, William Hickey, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, and Tyler Harvey were the standout scorers for the Hawks, each playing a pivotal role in the victory.

Despite being on the losing side, Matthew Dellavedova was presented with the Larry Sengstock Trophy as the MVP of the Championship Series for his consistent performance across all five games. However, in a remarkable act of sportsmanship, Dellavedova handed over the MVP trophy to Harvey on stage, acknowledging his incredible performance in the decisive game.

To celebrate this historic win, Spalding have produced a limited-edition Champions Ball, which is the perfect keepsake for all Hawks fans.