Fans furious at withdrawal of stars from 2019 International Basketball Series

Furious basketball fans are demanding ticket refunds for this week’s Australia versus United States all-star basketball games at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium following the withdrawal of stars from the fixtures.

Part of pre-FIBA World Cup international series featuring the Boomers, Team USA, Canada and New Zealand, the Australia v USA clashes are being held on 22nd and 24th August.

Promoted by the TEG Group, top tier stars including Steph Curry and Lebron James were used in the original marketing material for the 2019 International Basketball Series.. However, the pair, along with a stream of players, including Anthony Davis and James Harden, have withdrawn from the games - prompting fans to express their disappointment and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to launch an investigation.

Australian star Ben Simmons is the latest star to withdraw, announcing on Sunday he would not be playing in the two-game World Cup warm-up exhibition series.

With games of this quality rare in Australia, spectators were keen to see basketball’s top players, with some paying thousands of dollars for tickets, interstate flights and accommodation.

A Change.org petition has been started online asking for a refund with the petition gaining almost 3,000 signatures.

However, with top stars not to appear, the ACCC has launched an investigation into the event.

Responding to an inquiry from the Daily Mail Australia, a spokesperson advised “under the Australian Consumer Law, companies must not make false or misleading representations, including when advertising events.

“We understand that some advertising of the USA Basketball games occurring in Melbourne and Sydney included pictures of players who will not be attending those games. The ACCC is considering the issues and engaging with relevant parties.'

“Ticketholders who wish to seek a refund should contact the promoter, TEG Live, or their ticketing agency.

“If they are unable to resolve their issue with these companies, report the issues to the ACCC.”

Promotional material from TEG states “the biggest names in world basketball will square off in August 2019 when the Australian Boomers host USA Basketball at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne.

“Do not miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to see the USA's best battle it out with Australia's local heroes in this important pre-FIBA World Cup series.

“With eight Aussies lighting it up in the US this year, there has never been a better chance for the Boomers to beat the might of the USA Basketball on home soil. This promises to be the biggest sporting event of the year.'”

The United States will still field a strong team for the exhibition games giving fans a chance to see some legitimate NBA talent - although it will be much younger players.

Image shows stars used in the promotion of the 2019 International Basketball Series. Courtesy of TEG.