If you’re into basketball in Australia or New Zealand — whether as a fan, analyst, coach or fantasy player — you’ve probably heard of SpatialJam. But if you haven’t, this guide will walk you through exactly what SpatialJam is, what it offers, how much it costs, who should use it, and how it stacks up for different uses.
Let’s jump in.
What is SpatialJam?
SpatialJam bills itself as “Your home for Australian & New Zealand basketball data.”
In other words: it’s an online platform focused on delivering deep statistics, analytics, contract tracking, visuals and historical datasets for two major leagues:
- The Australian NBL
- The New Zealand NBL
What makes it interesting is the combination of historical depth, visual analytics (maps, charts), and a tiered model (free vs paid) allowing casual users or professionals to dig in.
Key Features Overview
Here are the main features you’ll find on SpatialJam:
- Historical box-score database for the NBL (since 1979) and NZ NBL (since 2017).
- Contract tracker: up-to-date transaction and deal information for NBL players.
- Shot maps & graphics: visualisations of shot locations, player combos, lineup data.
- SpatialJam+ (paid tier): advanced metrics, lineup on/off data, player combo data, flow metrics, and other pro-level analytics.
- Glossary of stats, blog posts with deeper analysis (e.g., player clustering) and infographics.
Free vs Paid: What You Get
Here’s a table comparing the free tier vs the paid SpatialJam+ membership:
| Feature | Free Tier | SpatialJam+ (Paid) |
| NBL box-score database (since 1979) | ✅ SpatialJam | ✅ |
| NZ NBL stats (since 2017) | ✅ SpatialJam | ✅ |
| Shot charts & maps | Limited | Full access: e.g., 250,000+ shots SpatialJam |
| Lineup & on/off data | Minimal or none | ✅ Full lineup and combo data |
| Advanced team & game flow metrics | Limited | ✅ Strength of schedule, NET ratings, etc. SpatialJam |
| Contract tracker | Limited details | ✅ Full tracker with daily updates SpatialJam |
| Cost | Free | A$20/month or A$220/year SpatialJam |
Also Read : – Aesthetic Fonts in Canva: The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need
Who Should Use SpatialJam?
1. Fans & Fantasy Players
If you like digging into player stats beyond the typical points/rebounds, SpatialJam gives you a deeper view. Want to study a player’s lineup performance or shot location trends? Even the free tier might suffice.
2. Media / Writers
If you write about basketball in Australia or New Zealand (or cover leagues, game previews, player features), SpatialJam offers source data, visuals, charts and contract info that can support your articles.
3. Coaches / Analysts / Teams
If you’re involved in the coaching side, scouting or analytics for a team, the paid tier becomes more compelling. Lineup on/off data, advanced flow metrics, strength of schedule — these can impact planning and decision making.
4. Researchers & Stat Geeks
If you love numbers, datasets or visualisation, SpatialJam provides historical data, maps and analytical posts. Great for digging deep into basketball trends, player cluster analysis, etc.
Use Cases: How People Actually Use It
- A fan checking how a new import player performs in previous NBL seasons.
- A writer sourcing shot maps to illustrate a player’s weakness or trend.
- A coach analysing lineup combinations to improve team performance.
- A researcher doing cluster analysis on player roles and tendencies.
Example: In a forum one user mentions how SpatialJam’s “player cluster analysis” helped frame how different types of players behave in the NBL. hoops.com.au
Advantages & Limitations
✅ Advantages
- Strong historical depth (NBL since 1979)
- Visual tools make data easier to interpret
- Single platform focused on Australia/NZ region (less noise)
- Free tier gives solid access; paid tier unlocks pro features
❌ Limitations
- Focus is regional — if you’re into NBA or European leagues, you’ll need other platforms
- Some advanced metrics might require analytics background to interpret well
- Paid tier is moderately priced but still a cost for casual users
- Interface or dataset depth may vary depending on how comfortable you are with stats
Getting Started with SpatialJam
Here are some steps to make the most of the platform:
- Start free: explore the box-score database, familiarise yourself with maps/graphics.
- Use filters: look at specific players, seasons, shot charts or contracts.
- Upgrade to SpatialJam+ if you need: advanced lineup/flow data, player combos, full dataset access.
- Use visuals effectively: If writing or presenting, maps + shot charts help tell the story.
- Keep learning: Don’t just read stats—understand context (sample size, opponent strength, role changes).
FAQs
What’s the cost of SpatialJam+ per year?
It’s A$220 per year, or A$20 per month.
Does SpatialJam cover NBA or other leagues?
Main focus: Australian NBL and New Zealand NBL. It may not cover other international or US leagues in depth.
Can I view team contracts on SpatialJam?
Yes – the contract tracker lists player deals, team signings, daily updates.
Are the datasets usable for research or media?
Yes – the platform provides historical data and many visuals that writers, analysts and researchers use. Just check attribution and licensing.
Is there a free trial for the paid tier?
At time of writing, the site lists the pricing and features but doesn’t explicitly mention a free trial. It’s best to check the site directly.
Final Thoughts
SpatialJam is a serious tool for anyone who wants to go deeper in Australian and New Zealand basketball. Whether you’re just a fan curious about shot charts or a professional analyst looking for lineup efficiency, it offers value.
The free tier gives you enough to start. If your interest is serious, the paid SpatialJam+ tier is worth considering. Ultimately, it comes down to how far you want to dive into the numbers — and how comfortable you are interpreting them.