Discover how Centrepiece hosted the NBL MVP Awards – a premium gala blending prestige, seamless planning and standout guest experiences.

The NBL’s 2025 Andrew Gaze MVP Awards is the “night of nights” for Australian basketball. A long-standing annual event since its inception in 1979, The Andrew Gaze MVP Awards demands a night of glamour, prestige and exhilaration for its 46th year.

The black-tie gala celebrates the achievements of the NBL’s talent, in the company of key staff, stakeholders, sponsors, contractors, suppliers and other key government officials and sporting legends – all considered VIPs. 

Situated in Australia’s home of sport and intersected with a vibrant entertainment scene, Centrepiece leveraged these two key ingredients to create an iconic and unforgettable event.

Setting the mood

As an awards gala tends to entail, there is a balance to strike between providing a luxurious and prestigious experience during the award ceremony and encouraging guests to network, chat, and have a bit of fun. 

The word that encapsulates these two factors is entertainment. The night needed to take guests on an exciting journey.  

A red carpet welcomed guests, lined with LED panels of the MVP-nominated players, immediately setting the atmosphere and creating anticipation for the night. This continued into the foyer area, backed by a 10 metre LED media wall for photo and interview opportunities. Live entertainment filled the air as CEO Dave Stevenson greeted guests, before enjoying catching up with other guests over pre-dinner drinks and stints at the photobooth.   

This total experience set the mood for the night – creating an environment where guests felt special, excited and energised. 

The night of nights

The gala needed to be grand, so hosting in the Grand Hall was an easy decision. The vibrant aesthetics and spectacular size of the space, hosting over 750 guests for a seated three-course plated menu, enhanced the VIP feeling.  

In combination with Centrepiece’s exclusive partnerships with leaders in AV production, Encore Event Technologies and Australia’s rigging expert, Showtech Australia, ensured that the event transcended the four walls. The state-of-the-art lighting, rigging and modern LED hanging screens produced an immersive experience that was a feast for the senses. 

The unique status of Centrepiece’s location elevated the event’s opulence and grandeur, with Natalie Jose, Senior Manager Operations & Events at NBL, citing that: 

“When you arrive, it’s not a standalone venue. You are surrounded by world-class stadiums and spaces; it’s clear you are in Australia’s home of sport”. 

The NBL 2025 Andrew Gaze MVP Awards Night possessed the perfect combination of elements to create a breathtaking and premium experience, leaving every guest feeling like a VIP. 

Connect with our team to explore how Centrepiece can help bring your next event to life.