Adelaide 36ers Name Origin: The 36th Parallel

The NBL club (founded 1982 as Adelaide City Eagles) renamed to Adelaide 36ers in January 1982 before their inaugural season.

Why "36ers"?

The 36th parallel south runs directly through Adelaide. The name was chosen to:

• Create a unique geographic identity tied to the capital of South Australia
• Be memorable and distinctive in the new National Basketball League
• Reflect local pride—unlike generic "Eagles," "Tigers," etc.

Legacy

• 4 NBL Championships (1986, 1998, 1999, 2002)
• Iconic logo: "36" with stylized basketball
• Home: Adelaide Entertainment Centre (since 2019; formerly Apollo Stadium, Clipsal Powerhouse)
• Only NBL team named for a line of latitude

A brilliant branding move—geography as identity.