New Orleans Pelicans to bring NBA basketball to Australia with two games in Melbourne

• Games against United and Phoenix lined up for October
• Pelicans pledge to bring full-strength side to Rod Laver Arena

NBA franchise the New Orleans Pelicans are the latest American sports team to agree to play in Australia, after officials locked in a two-match exhibition series against NBL sides Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix in October.

Organisers are hoping to sell out the matches at 14,000-capacity Rod Laver Arena, held on the weekend following the AFL grand final, as well as draw a large crowd to two open training sessions to be held at Melbourne Park.