Biwali Bayles signs with Bendigo Braves for 2026 NBL1 South season

Image: @jasondaann

The Bendigo Braves have announced the signing of Illawarra Hawks NBL star Biwali Bayles for the 2026 NBL1 South season. 

Bayles heads to the division for the first time in his career after stints in NBL1 North with the Mackay Meteors and North Gold Coast Seahawks, as well as spending the last two season with the Sydney Comets in NBL1 East. 

Bayles played eight games for the Comets in 2025 and was outstanding for the side, averaging 28.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per outing.

Bayles went on to play for the New York Knicks in the 2025 NBA Summer League, developing his game with some of the best young stars in the world.

He then headed to the Illawarra Hawks for the second time in his career, where he has started a handful of games and has otherwise played a solid role off the bench throughout NBL26.

Biwali Bayles with the tough step back triple ?

Watch live on ESPN ? pic.twitter.com/t878nqIJ5J

— NBL (@NBL) December 31, 2025

For more news on huge signings, stay tuned to the NBL1 social media pages.