In thinking about this deal, I couldn't help but chuckle at the confused Americans who'll undoubtedly see the HJ's logo, recognise it for its familiarity, and then scratch their heads over why the words "Hungry Jack's" aren't the words "Burger King". But then, it's the simple things in life that help me smile.

Anyways, the NBL and NBA 2K have reached an agreement to bring Australia's National Basketball League jerseys into NBA 2K23 which is further evidence of the growth of our local league which hasn't enjoyed this much interest or investment or engagement since the 90s.

Players can purchase and wear their local NBL Team jerseys for their MyPLAYER in The City or the G.O.A.T. Boat.

“Customising a MyPLAYER is often the first thing our players do when they jump into NBA 2K23 and we’re excited to have been able to work closely with the National Basketball League to add NBL team jerseys throughout the City and G.O.A.T. Boat to give our players a way to show off their local team pride,” said Alfie Brody, Vice President of Global Marketing at NBA 2K.

This year’s inclusion is the first time the NBL Team jerseys have appeared in NBA 2K.

“Adding NBL jerseys to NBA 2K23 grows and strengthens the thriving partnership between our League and 2K. Last year NBL Oz Gaming became the newest expansion team in the NBA 2K League and preparations towards our inaugural season are ramping up. NBL jerseys will now be accessible to a new legion of basketball fans across the world and we can’t wait to see them being worn in NBA 2K23,” said Jeremy Loeliger, Commissioner of the National Basketball League.

“It is going to be awesome to see Perth Wildcats jerseys in NBA 2K23. As a big 2K fan, I know I’ll definitely be rocking one in the game and I can’t wait to see other players wearing Wildcats’ jerseys as well” said Luke Travers, Perth Wildcats youngster and winner of the NBL Cup 2K Tournament.

NBA 2K23 fans can purchase the NBL Team jerseys for their MyPLAYERs in JT’s Sporting Goods in The City available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, as well as in Rowe’s Sporting Goods in the G.O.A.T. Boat on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch consoles, and PC platforms.

It's obviously not the teams or anything, and could ultimately be seen merely as basic cosmetics. But it's a small step to helping the NBL grow, which as mentioned before the jump is currently experiencing a huge boon here. Which is saying a lot. When competing against the likes of cricket, AFL and the rugby codes, it's hard for grass roots growth of any sport in Australia. But a healthy NBA tends to lead to a healthy NBL, and the more the sport can grow in a social and 'cool' sense for the kids, the better. And I'm an AFL person saying that.

Hopefully this is the beginning of bigger things for the NBL on the world stage. Watch the video above, or just check out the jerseys as screenies below.