There are only a few players who not only played but started in over 1,000 NBA games, and Carmelo Anthony is one of them. Over his 19-year career, he stacked up 3 Olympic gold medals and 10 All-Star appearances. But after hanging up his jersey, it seemed his focus was mainly on supporting his son, Kiyan, as he prepares to take the next big step in his basketball career. However, Melo’s post-NBA life hasn’t just been about family—he’s been on his own adventures too.

Carmelo Anthony has built a strong connection with Australia, embracing the country’s love for a sport vastly different from basketball: Australian Rules Football. During a visit to 16x AFL champions Collingwood Football Club, Carmelo swapped his familiar basketball for a Sherrin, the football used in the AFL. The day became extra special for Collingwood player Patrick Lipinski, who, alongside Daniel McStay, got to meet his childhood basketball idol.

Collingwood FC shared the memorable moment on Instagram, writing, “Carmelo 🤝 Collingwood 10-time @nba All-Star @carmeloanthony swapped the basketball for a Sherrin when he met @patlipinski and @danmcstay! 🏀.” Lipinski himself couldn’t help but share the encounter on his own Instagram, captioning it, “Surreal night meeting my childhood basketball idol @carmeloanthony 👌🐐.” That one night felt like a dream come true for Lipinski, who has always admired Anthony.

What’s interesting is how Australian football, which began in 1858, has evolved into a major sport with an 18-team league. Its roots are humble—started by cricketers and school students in Melbourne parklands, and now one of Australia’s biggest pastimes. The AFL season stretches from March to September, ending with the highly anticipated Grand Final.

But this wasn’t the only reason Melo was in Australia. His newfound connection with the country hints at something deeper, something beyond sports that has tied the NBA legend to the land down under. Could we see more of Melo’s adventures in Australia soon?

Carmelo Anthony’s Aussie adventure

According to a report by the NBL, Carmelo Anthony has touched down in Australia to be part of the inaugural HoopsFest, a four-day basketball festival featuring NBL, WNBL, and youth teams in Perth. But he’s not just a guest. As a global ambassador for the NBL’s Next Stars program, he’s playing a major role in growing the league, and rumor has it, Melo could soon become a part-owner of an NBL expansion team.

Earlier this year, ESPN’s Marc J. Spears reported that Anthony is already in talks to own one of these future teams. The NBL, which currently has 10 teams spread across Australia and New Zealand, is the premier men’s basketball league in the region. While the exact location of Melo’s team is still up in the air, NBL president Larry Kestelman is working closely with him to bring this vision to life. But owning a team isn’t Melo’s only involvement.

In fact, Anthony will be front and center as the global ambassador for the Next Stars program. This initiative has launched the careers of several rising stars, including LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey, and the recent No.2 pick Alex Sarr. “It’s time that the rest of the world knows exactly what’s happening over there in Australia,” said Anthony, excited about the NBL’s growing reputation.

Not only that, Melo has his sights set on something even bigger—NBA ownership. “Now. I want it now,” he shared, emphasizing his determination to work toward owning an NBA franchise in the future.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.