Sydney Kings Stun NBL with Blockbuster 2026 Signing – Why Fans Say the Dynasty Starts Now

The Sydney Kings have wasted no time turning the page to the NBL26 campaign, outlining an aggressive off-season plan aimed at securing the club’s sixth championship banner. Fresh from a roller-coaster NBL25 run, head coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah has prioritised three pillars: re-signing defensive lynchpin Torrey Craig, fast-tracking Matthew Dellavedova’s concussion comeback, and bolstering front-court depth before HoopsFest tips off in Perth this January. Craig—whose 26-point, lockdown masterclass against Bryce Cotton lit up Adelaide—looms as the X-factor that can swing the title race. The Kings’ front office is reportedly finalising a multi-year extension designed to fend off rival NBL and EuroLeague interest. Even bigger news for Harbour City fans is Dellavedova’s imminent return to full contact training after clearing the latest concussion protocols. The former NBA champion’s playmaking and perimeter grit were sorely missed down the stretch last season; internal projections have him back on-court for the marquee HoopsFest opener against the Brisbane Bullets on 8 January. Roster tweaks are also underway. Sydney’s recruitment brain trust has opened negotiations with free-agent rim protector Mangok Mathiang, while development player Jaylin Galloway is expected to ink a two-year upgrade. The Kings are scouting a stretch-four import to pair with star big man Jonah Bolden, ensuring a versatile lineup capable of switching defensively and stretching the floor—key themes in Abdelfattah’s analytics-driven system. Off the court, the franchise is doubling down on its “Kings in the Community” initiative, scheduling school clinics across Western Sydney and launching a revamped membership package that bundles discounted tickets for the Illawarra Hawks rivalry clash on 29 January. Early-bird sales opened Monday and spiked 18 percent year-on-year, reflecting renewed optimism after last season’s injury-plagued campaign. Key early-season dates • 8 Jan – HoopsFest vs Brisbane Bullets, Perth Arena • 12 Jan – Road test vs Adelaide 36ers, Adelaide Entertainment Centre • 29 Jan – Home showdown vs Illawarra Hawks, Qudos Bank Arena With a healthier core, a resurgent Craig, and Dellavedova’s veteran savvy back in the mix, the Sydney Kings have positioned themselves as legitimate contenders in what shapes as one of the most competitive NBL seasons in recent memory. Expect the Kings to chase pace, push the three-point line, and—if the new-look roster gels—deliver the purple-and-gold faithful a serious shot at banner No. 6 this autumn.