Australian basketball legend Joe Ingles has signed a two-year deal with Melbourne United, marking his return to the National Basketball League (NBL) after a long NBA career. Ingles, who played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, will return to the NBL next season after playing more than 800 NBA games over 12 years.

The 38-year-old began his professional career with the now-defunct South Dragons in 2006 and won an NBL championship with the club before they folded in 2009. Originally from Adelaide, Ingles returns to Melbourne with his wife Renae and their three children.

"Coming home to Melbourne feels incredibly special," Ingles said. "To return to where my professional career began almost 20 years ago is something I don’t take for granted. Melbourne has always felt like home."

Ingles, a member of the Boomers' famous Tokyo Olympics bronze medal-winning team in 2021, has played in five Olympics and four FIBA World Cups, as well as eight NBA playoffs campaigns. He also won a EuroLeague championship among a swag of league and cup titles during his decorated career overseas.

The 203cm forward joins a Melbourne team in a state of transition following the departure of long-term coach Dean Vickerman. "From a basketball perspective, this opportunity really excited me," Ingles said. "I still love competing and I believe I can genuinely help this group win."

Ingles brings a wealth of experience to Melbourne, where he links up with long-time Boomers teammate Chris Goulding on United’s roster for the 2026/27 season. They are joined by Shea Ili, Sam Waardenburg, Fabijan Krslovic, Kyle Bowen, and Dash Daniels, with three import slots still to be filled.

"Joe will be a great addition to the team," Goulding said. "His decision-making, leadership, and shooting abilities make him a great teammate and someone that everyone will love to play with."