History of Perth Wildcats in Timeline

The Perth Wildcats are a professional basketball team based in Perth, Western Australia, competing in the National Basketball League (NBL). Their home games are held at RAC Arena, also known as "The Jungle". They are one of the most successful teams in NBL history, known for their strong fanbase and consistent performance.

1951: St. George Illawarra Dragons made 23 consecutive finals appearances

In 1951, the NRL's St. George Illawarra Dragons began a run of 23 consecutive finals appearances between 1951 and 1973.

1967: Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League made 29 consecutive playoff appearances

In 1967/68, the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League began a run of 29 consecutive playoff appearances between 1967/68 and 1995/96.

1972: Edmonton Eskimos qualified for the playoffs for 34 consecutive years

In 1972, the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League qualified for the playoffs for 34 consecutive years between 1972 and 2005.

1973: St. George Illawarra Dragons made 23 consecutive finals appearances

In 1973, the NRL's St. George Illawarra Dragons ended a run of 23 consecutive finals appearances between 1951 and 1973.

1979: National Basketball League (NBL) formed

In 1979, the National Basketball League (NBL) in Australia was formed.

1982: Westate Wildcats Established

In 1982, after three years of lobbying to the NBL, the Westate Wildcats were established as a national basketball team in Perth and played out of the 800-seat Perry Lakes Basketball Stadium.

1982: Hawthorn Football Club reached most consecutive finals in VFL/AFL football

In 1982, the Hawthorn Football Club began a run of 13 consecutive finals reached in VFL/AFL football between 1982 and 1994.

1983: Gordon Ellis Takes Over as Coach

In 1983, Gordon Ellis took over as coach of the Westate Wildcats, and the team finished 13th with a 6–16 record.

1983: NBL split into Eastern and Western divisions

In 1983, the NBL was split into Eastern and Western divisions during the regular season.

1984: NBL adopts 48-minute format

In 1984, the NBL changed the game format to 48 minutes.

1984: NBL split into Eastern and Western divisions

In 1984, the NBL was split into Eastern and Western divisions during the regular season.

1984: Westate Wildcats become Perth Wildcats

In 1984, the Westate Wildcats were renamed as the Perth Wildcats, marking a significant moment in the team's history.

1984: Team Renamed Perth Wildcats

In 1984, the team was renamed the Perth Wildcats, but they finished at the bottom of the ladder with only three wins under coach Lynn Massey.

1985: Jay Brehmer Appointed as Coach

In 1985, Jay Brehmer became the coach of the Perth Wildcats, and with imports Dan Clausen and Roland Brooks, the team narrowly missed out on the post-season, finishing eighth with a 13–13 record.

1986: Bob Williams Buys the Wildcats

In 1986, Perth businessman Bob Williams bought the Wildcats and began to reshape the team's destiny.

1986: Finished in third-last position

In 1986, the Perth Wildcats finished in third-last position, setting the stage for their unexpected run in the following season.

1986: Loss of Roland Brooks

In 1986, the Perth Wildcats suffered a major setback with the loss of Roland Brooks, who suffered a season-ending injury just 10 games into the season. The team struggled to be competitive, finishing in 12th place with an 8–18 record.

1986: First losing season since 1986

In the 2003-04 season, club legend Mike Ellis guided the team to their first losing season since 1986.

1987: Wildcats scoring record

In 1987, James Crawford held the all-time Wildcats scoring record, which Bryce Cotton surpassed on December 1st, 2024.

1987: Law's debut breaks record

In 1987, during his Perth Wildcats debut, Law scored 37 points, surpassing James Crawford's previous record of 33 points.

1987: Perth Wildcats' run of 35 straight NBL finals appearances

In 1987, the Perth Wildcats began a run of 35 straight NBL finals appearances between 1987 and 2021.

1987: Start of Post-Season Streak

In 1987, the Wildcats began a 35-year streak of making the post-season, lasting until 2021.

1987: Wildcats lost grand final series.

In 1987, the Wildcats lost grand final series after three years of finals action.

1987: Grand Final Appearance

In 1987, the Wildcats made the finals for the first time and reached the Grand Final series against the Brisbane Bullets, ultimately losing in two games. The Wildcats finished the regular season in fourth position with a 19–7 record.

1987: Move to the Superdrome and Roster Changes

In 1987, the team moved from Perry Lakes Stadium to the Superdrome. New players such as Kendal Pinder, James Crawford, Cal Bruton, Alan Black, Eric Watterson, and Trevor Torrance were introduced to the roster.

1988: Semi-Final Loss

In 1988, the Perth Wildcats suffered a loss to the North Melbourne Giants in the Semi-finals.

1989: Cal Bruton Retires as a Player

Following the 1989 season, Cal Bruton retired as a player.

1989: Semi-Final Loss

In 1989, the Perth Wildcats suffered another loss to the North Melbourne Giants in the Semi-finals.

1989: Wildcats' Finals Loss to North Melbourne Giants

In Game 1 of their semi-finals series against the Adelaide 36ers in 2018, the Wildcats suffered their second-biggest finals loss in club history, behind a 55-point loss in 1989 against the North Melbourne Giants.

1990: Bruton Becomes General Manager and Coach

In 1990, Cal Bruton became the Wildcats' general manager and recruited Ricky 'Amazing' Grace. Alan Black was fired after two games and replaced by Cal Bruton as coach. The Wildcats finished in fifth place with a 17–9 record and swept the Melbourne Tigers in the Elimination Finals before defeating the North Melbourne Giants to face the Brisbane Bullets in the Grand Final.

1990: Murray Arnold Replaces Cal Bruton

In 1990, Cal Bruton was not retained as coach and was controversially replaced by Murray Arnold, a former assistant coach with the Chicago Bulls. Andrew Vlahov and Peter Hansen joined the team.

1990: Kerry Stokes Becomes Co-Owner

In 1990, Kerry Stokes became co-owner of the Perth Wildcats, and the team's home court was moved to the Perth Entertainment Centre.

1990: NBL Championship Win

In 1990, the Perth Wildcats won the NBL Championship, marking one of their successful years.

1990: Wildcats won back-to-back titles.

In 1990, the Wildcats won back-to-back titles behind the likes of Ricky Grace, James Crawford and Mike Ellis, and coaches Cal Bruton and Murray Arnold.

1990: Wildcats Win Championship

In 2016, The Wildcats went back-to-back for the first time since 1990/1991

1990: Wildcats' Title Win

In 2018, the Wildcats secured the title interstate once before—in 1990

1991: Four consecutive 40-point games

In 1991, Andrew Gaze achieved a feat matched by Bryce Cotton on December 14th, 2024, which is four consecutive 40-point games.

1991: NBL Championship Win

In 1991, the Perth Wildcats secured another NBL Championship, adding to their list of achievements.

1991: Wildcats won back-to-back titles.

In 1991, the Wildcats won back-to-back titles behind the likes of Ricky Grace, James Crawford and Mike Ellis, and coaches Cal Bruton and Murray Arnold.

1991: Wildcats Win Championship

In 2016, The Wildcats went back-to-back for the first time since 1990/1991.

1992: Quarter-Final Loss

In 1992, the Wildcats experienced a down year, resulting in a quarter-final loss.

1993: Personnel Changes

In 1993, Mike Ellis retired, Dr Adrian Hurley was appointed as the new head coach replacing Murray Arnold, and Scott Fisher joined the team.

1994: Hawthorn Football Club reached most consecutive finals in VFL/AFL football

In 1994, the Hawthorn Football Club ended a run of 13 consecutive finals reached in VFL/AFL football between 1982 and 1994.

1994: Recruitment of Anthony Stewart

In 1994, the Wildcats recruited Anthony Stewart from the Hobart Tassie Devils to improve their offense. Ricky Grace, Aaron Trahair, and Martin Cattalini were also part of the eight-man rotation under coach Adrian Hurley.

1995: 'Triple Crown' and Championship

In 1995, coach Hurley guided the Perth Wildcats to the 'Triple Crown'—winning the pre-season competition, finishing minor premiers, and winning the NBL Championship. They defeated the North Melbourne Giants in the Grand Final, with Andrew Vlahov named MVP of the series.

1995: NBL Championship Win

In 1995, the Perth Wildcats clinched another NBL Championship, further solidifying their position as a leading team.

1995: Wildcats won their third NBL title.

In 1995, the Wildcats won their third NBL title, with coach Adrian Hurley and captain Andrew Vlahov leading the way.

1995: Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League made 29 consecutive playoff appearances

In 1995/96, the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League ended a run of 29 consecutive playoff appearances between 1967/68 and 1995/96.

1999: Gearing Up for a Big Season

Following four straight injury-plagued seasons, the Wildcats geared up for a big 1999–2000 season behind coach Alan Black and key players Andrew Vlahov, Ricky Grace, Scott Fisher and Anthony Stewart, as well as James Harvey and Paul Rogers.

1999: Wildcats won their fourth title

In 1999, behind coach Alan Black and centre Paul Rogers, and veterans Vlahov, Grace and Scott Fisher still around, the Wildcats won their fourth title.

2000: Championship drought occurred between 2000/01 and 2008/09

Between 2000/01 and 2008/09, a large championship drought occurred, but the Wildcats still made the finals each season.

2000: Paul Rogers Wins League MVP

Bryce Cotton became just the third Wildcat to win the award after Paul Rogers (2000) and Kevin Lisch (2012). In 2000, Paul Rogers was named league MVP.

2000: Signing of Marcus Timmons

In 2000, the Perth Wildcats signed import Marcus Timmons mid-season for their run to the finals.

2000: NBL Championship Win

In 2000, the Perth Wildcats won the NBL Championship, marking a successful year for the team.

2000: Wildcats won their fourth title in the 1999/2000 season

In the 1999/2000 season, the Wildcats won their fourth title. Behind coach Alan Black and centre Paul Rogers, and veterans Vlahov, Grace and Scott Fisher still around.

2002: Move Back to Challenge Stadium

Following the closure of the Perth Entertainment Centre, the Wildcats moved back to the Superdrome, now known as Challenge Stadium, for the 2002-03 season.

2003: Black's Contract Not Renewed

In 2003, following their grand final loss to the Sydney Kings, the Wildcats decided not to renew Alan Black's contract and parted ways with him for a second time.

2003: Grand Final Series Loss

In 2003, the Wildcats played in their seventh Grand Final series behind Ricky Grace and coach Alan Black but lost to the Sydney Kings in two games.

2003: Wildcats in Grand Final

In 2009, the Wildcats competed in their first Grand Final series since 2003 against the Wollongong Hawks.

April 2004: Longley Relinquishes Share

In April 2004, co-owner Luc Longley relinquished his majority share of the Wildcats, leaving Andrew Vlahov as the sole owner of the franchise.

2005: Edmonton Eskimos qualified for the playoffs for 34 consecutive years

In 2005, the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League ended a run of 34 consecutive years between 1972 and 2005 qualifying for the playoffs.

2005: Introduction of Shawn Redhage and Bendat's Involvement

In 2005, the Perth Wildcats saw the introduction of Shawn Redhage and West Australian businessman Jack Bendat became the chairman and majority shareholder of the franchise.

2005: Worst start to a season since 2005-06

The 2–5 record marked the club's worst start to a season since 2005–06.

2005: Five consecutive losses

The Wildcats lost five consecutive games, marking the first time since 2005 the team recorded five consecutive losses.

2006: 25th Anniversary

In 2006, the Perth Wildcats celebrated their 25th anniversary and recorded 23 wins.

2007: Bendat Assumes Full Control

In 2007, Jack Bendat assumed full control of the Perth Wildcats, marking a change in ownership.

2007: Finals Shortfall

In 2007, the Perth Wildcats fell short in the finals.

2008: Championship drought occurred between 2000/01 and 2008/09

Between 2000/01 and 2008/09, a large championship drought occurred, but the Wildcats still made the finals each season.

2008: Finals Shortfall

In 2008, the Perth Wildcats fell short in the finals.

2009: Transformation of the Franchise

In 2009, after being on the brink of bankruptcy, owner Jack Bendat and managing director Nick Marvin transformed the Wildcats franchise, focusing on being family-friendly and engaging with children in Western Australia.

2009: Wildcats' Reform and NBL Changes

In 2009, the Perth Wildcats were on the brink of collapse unless they could raise a million dollars in sponsorship. The NBL itself was also facing tough times and the Wildcats collaborated with other clubs to reform the league. The Wildcats slashed $1.5 million worth of staff and hired a new coach, Rob Beveridge. The Wildcats also partnered with the WA Government to promote its 'Alcohol: Think again' initiative. In 2009, the NBL made significant changes, including returning the game to a 40-minute format from the 48-minute format it adopted in 1984.

2009: Wildcats Claim Fifth NBL Championship

In 2009, the Wildcats, led by Shawn Redhage and bolstered by new players like Damian Martin and Kevin Lisch, won their fifth NBL Championship. Lisch was named MVP of the series after the Wildcats beat the Wollongong Hawks 96-72 in Game 3 of the Grand Final.

2009: Wildcats won their fifth championship.

In 2009/10, the Wildcats won their league-best fifth championship behind coach Rob Beveridge and players Kevin Lisch, Shawn Redhage and Damian Martin.

2009: Grand Final Road Win

In 2018, the Wildcats' win in Melbourne was only the fourth grand final road win for any NBL team since 2009.

2009: Most points scored since 40-minute games

Since the league reverted to 40-minute games in 2009, no player scored as many points as Cotton did on December 1st, 2024.

2010: NBL Championship Win

In 2010, the Perth Wildcats secured another NBL Championship, adding to their list of achievements.

2010: Increased School Visits

In 2010, the Wildcats increased their school visits to 200, building on the transformation started in 2009.

2010: Wildcats' Season Crippled by Injuries

The 2010 season for the Wildcats was marked by serious injuries to key players including Jesse Wagstaff, Matthew Knight, and Shawn Redhage.

January 2011: Shawn Redhage's Injury

In January 2011, co-captain Shawn Redhage suffered a career-threatening injury during a game. He fractured his femur and dislocated his hip while lunging for a contested ball.

2011: Wildcats' Grand Final Appearance and Lisch's MVP Award

In 2011, the Wildcats jostled for the top spot for the majority of the season with the New Zealand Breakers and the two teams met in the Grand Final, where the Breakers defeated the Wildcats in three games. Kevin Lisch was named league MVP for the 2011-12 season, making him just the second Wildcat to achieve the honour.

2012: Extended Road Trips Begin

Beginning in 2012, the Perth Wildcats were forced on extended road trips in December due to Perth's annual hosting of the Hopman Cup at Perth Arena in early January.

2012: Bryce Cotton's League MVP Award

Bryce Cotton was named league MVP, becoming just the third Wildcat to win the award after Paul Rogers (2000) and Kevin Lisch (2012).

2012: Move to Perth Arena

In 2012, the Wildcats moved to Perth Arena and consistently drew some of the NBL's largest home crowds.

2013: Wildcats' Grand Final Loss to Breakers

In 2013, the Wildcats finished second and reached the Grand Final, but lost to the New Zealand Breakers 2-0 after Damian Martin was ruled out with an Achilles injury. The Breakers won their third consecutive championship.

2013: Wildcats won their sixth championship.

In 2013/14, the Wildcats won their sixth championship behind coach Trevor Gleeson and imports Jermaine Beal and James Ennis.

2013: Wildcats' Off-Season Changes

In the 2013 off-season, Rob Beveridge, Kevin Lisch, and Cameron Tovey departed, and Trevor Gleeson, James Ennis, and Jermaine Beal were brought in to replace them. Damian Martin, Shawn Redhage, Jesse Wagstaff, Matthew Knight and Greg Hire returned, alongside Tom Jervis, Drake U'u and Erik Burdon.

2014: Wildcats' Championship-Winning Campaign Followed by Underwhelming Season

After winning the title in 2014, the Wildcats had an underwhelming season in 2014-15, finishing fourth and being swept out of the playoffs.

2014: Paul Woolpert Assistant Coach

Early in the season, assistant coach Paul Woolpert, who had previously served under Gleeson during the 2014–15 season, was forced to return to the United States due to personal issues, which led to former NBA player and long-time coach Scott Roth stepping in to fill the void of lead assistant.

2014: NBL Championship Win

In 2014, the Perth Wildcats won the NBL Championship, marking another successful year for the team.

2015: Wildcats' Semi-Final Defeat and Roster Changes

After an injury-riddled season in 2014-15, the Wildcats were defeated in the Semi-finals. In 2015 Gleeson made a conscious effort during the off-season to make sure that first and foremost, the chemistry is right. Following a large player turnover, the Wildcats were confident high-profile recruits Casey Prather and Nate Jawai – as well as back-up guard Jarrod Kenny – would be strong fits among the group dynamic.

2015: Wildcats' Regular Season and Finals Qualification

In 2015-16, the Wildcats were relatively injury-free and finished the regular season in second place with an 18-10 record.

2015: Wildcats won their seventh championship

In 2015/16, the Wildcats won their seventh championship, as Gleeson became the first Wildcats coach to win multiple championships.

2016: NBL Championship Win

In 2016, the Perth Wildcats secured another NBL Championship, adding to their list of achievements.

2016: Wildcats Win Championship, Martin Named Grand Final MVP

In 2016, the Wildcats finished the regular season in second place and set a record with their 30th straight season of playing finals basketball. The Wildcats defeated the New Zealand Breakers in three games in the Grand Final, led by captain and Grand Final MVP Damian Martin.

2016: Wildcats Secure Back-to-Back Championships

In 2016, the Wildcats secured their eighth NBL Championship by sweeping the Illawarra Hawks in the Grand Final. This marked their first back-to-back championship since 1990/1991. Bryce Cotton set a new record with 45 points in Game 3, and Shawn Redhage retired after the season.

2017: Marvin's Departure

In 2017, Nick Marvin departed from the club, marking a change in leadership.

2017: Surpassed 10,000 Members

In 2017, the Perth Wildcats surpassed 10,000 members for the first time, indicating growing fan support.

2017: NBL Championship Win

In 2017, the Perth Wildcats won the NBL Championship, marking another successful year for the team.

2017: Wildcats Roster Changes and Knight's Retirement

In 2017, the Wildcats reacquired Bryce Cotton but lost Casey Prather. Devondrick Walker was initially the replacement for Prather, but he was replaced by J.P. Tokoto due to injury. Derek Cooke Jr. replaced Jameel McKay, and Lucas Walker replaced the retired Shawn Redhage. Matt Knight announced his retirement in early November 2017 due to early-season head knocks, and Clint Steindl was signed as his replacement.

2018: Wildcats Win Ninth NBL Championship

In 2018, the Wildcats secured Bryce Cotton with a three-year deal and acquired Nick Kay and Mitch Norton. Terrico White was named Grand Final MVP as the Wildcats defeated Melbourne United 3-1 to win their ninth NBL championship.

2018: Martin and Wagstaff became the only players in NBL history to win five championships

In 2018/19, Martin and Wagstaff became the only players in NBL history to win five championships at the one club.

2018: Wani Swaka Lo Buluk development player

In 2019, Wagstaff took on the role of vice captain for the 2019–20 season following the retirement of Greg Hire, who was replaced on the roster by Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, who was elevated to the full-time squad after spending the 2018–19 season as a development player.

2019: Community Engagement Obligation

As of 2019, the Perth Wildcats players had a 350-hour community engagement obligation, 200 hours above what the collective bargaining agreement requires.

2019: NBL Championship Win

In 2019, the Perth Wildcats secured another NBL Championship, adding to their list of achievements.

2019: Wildcats' Off-Season Roster and Coaching Changes

In 2019, the Wildcats re-signed coach Trevor Gleeson, as well as Damian Martin and Jesse Wagstaff. Wani Swaka Lo Buluk was elevated to the full-time squad, and Dario Hunt and Majok Majok were signed to replace Angus Brandt and Tom Jervis. Assistant coaches Paul Woolpert and Jacob Chance replaced Matthew Nielsen and Adam Forde.

2019: Continued Road Trips

In 2019, the tradition of extended road trips for the Wildcats in December continued due to Perth's hosting of the Hopman Cup at Perth Arena.

2019: Martin and Wagstaff became the NBL's only six-time champions

In 2019/20, Martin and Wagstaff joined C. J. Bruton and David Stiff as the NBL's only six-time champions and the only players to be able to do that at one club. Additionally, Gleeson attained his fifth NBL championship, making him the second-most successful coach in league history behind six-time winner Brian Goorjian.

2020: NBL Championship Win

In 2020, the Perth Wildcats won the NBL Championship, marking another successful year for the team.

2021: Bendat Sells the Club

In 2021, Jack Bendat sold the Perth Wildcats club, signaling a new chapter for the franchise.

2021: Perth Wildcats' run of 35 straight NBL finals appearances

In 2021, the Perth Wildcats ended a run of 35 straight NBL finals appearances between 1987 and 2021.

2021: End of Post-Season Streak

In 2021, the Wildcats' streak of 35 consecutive years of making the post-season came to an end, concluding a significant era.

2021: Maccabi Tel Aviv made their 41st post-season appearance

In 2021/22, Israeli professional basketball club Maccabi Tel Aviv made their 41st post-season appearance, holding the world record of 40 straight post-season appearances.

2022: United Cup Introduction

In 2022, the tradition of extended road trips for the Perth Wildcats in December continued with the introduction of the United Cup.

January 2023: First ever open-air game at RAC Arena

On 14 January 2023, the Wildcats played the Adelaide 36ers in the first ever open-air game at RAC Arena, with Perth winning 112–97.

March 2023: Wildcats introduced a Club Hall of Fame

In March 2023, the Wildcats introduced a Club Hall of Fame to recognise past players, coaches and support staff. All players with retired numbers were automatically inducted alongside players Paul Rogers and Eric Watterson and former owner Bob Williams.

February 2024: Jersey retirement consideration criteria announced

As of February 2024, a player must have played 200 games for the club and won two championships in order to be considered for jersey retirement.

February 2024: Kerry Stokes, Adrian Hurley and Raquel Muia inducted into Wildcats Hall of Fame

In February 2024, former owner Kerry Stokes, championship-winning head coach Adrian Hurley and long-time game-night producer Raquel Muia became the second group of Wildcats Hall of Fame inductees.

July 2024: Sports Entertainment Group agrees to sell to MT Arena Capital Investment

In July 2024, Sports Entertainment Group agreed to sell 90% of their 95% shareholder ownership of the Wildcats to MT Arena Capital Investment at an estimated value of $40 million.

August 2024: Mark Arena officially becomes majority owner

On 14 August 2024, Mark Arena officially became the majority owner of the Wildcats after purchasing 52.5 per cent of the club for $21 million from Sports Entertainment Group.

2024: Mark Arena becomes majority owner

In August 2024, Mark Arena officially became the majority owner of the Wildcats, purchasing 52.5 per cent of the club for $21 million from Sports Entertainment Group.

2024: SEG agrees to sell 90% ownership to MT Arena Capital Investment

In July 2024, Sports Entertainment Group agreed to sell 90% of their 95% shareholder ownership of the Wildcats to MT Arena Capital Investment at an estimated value of $40 million.

2024: Wildcats largest score

On December 14th, 2024, the Wildcats defeated the Cairns Taipans 128–92, achieving their largest score in a 40-minute game.

February 2025: Jack Bendat and Greg Hire added to the Hall of Fame

In February 2025, former owner Jack Bendat and four-time NBL champion and former vice-captain Greg Hire were added to the Hall of Fame.

December 2025: David Duke Jr. suffered a serious elbow injury.

On 28 December 2025, David Duke Jr. suffered a serious elbow injury that saw the club look to recruit an injury replacement.

December 2025: Wildcats lost to Adelaide 36ers after giving up a 21-point lead.

On 7 December 2025, in Bryce Cotton's first appearance in Perth as a 36er, the Wildcats lost 95–94 to Adelaide after giving up a 21-point lead. The game drew a regular-season record crowd of 13,661.