In the NBL draw released on Thursday, the Kings have been scheduled to start their season against the Taipans on October 10 at the Kingdome and Townsville in a Thursday night clash four days later. Their homestand ends on the Saturday against NSW rivals, the rebadged Illawarra Hawks.

Their first road game is against New Zealand on Wednesday, October 21.Sydney will farewell their Kingdome, the Sydney Entertainment Centre, on December 13 when they host the Perth Wildcats in what will be a watershed moment for the franchise.

They will play the rest of the season at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre, including the first NBL game of 2016.

Sydney will field an impressive line-up this season with star import Josh Childress returning for a second season, joined by Boston Celtics draft pick Marcus Thornton and former Kings centre Julian Khazzouh, who has come home after a stint in Lebanon.

NBL general manager Jeremy Loeliger said the new-look draw featured a condensed schedule with more mid-week games.

"We are extremely confident that the NBL is going to deliver great results this summer. Expanding on the traditional schedule gives those already following our competition a tighter and more exciting timetable, while providing a frontline, elite sports option at a different time for new fans to come on board," he said.

"This is set to be one of the most competitive seasons the NBL has seen in years, and we are going to produce consistent opportunities to watch live sports and see the superstar line-ups throughout the week."

Reigning champions, New Zealand Breakers, will open the season away to the Adelaide 36ers.