Sport in the Northern Territory

[4] Since the debut of Reuben Cooper in 1969 a large number of Territorians have played in the AFL, though a significant percentage have launched their professional football careers from other states, particularly South Australia.

Perhaps the most accomplished born and raised player is Australian Football Hall of Famer Andrew Mcleod.

Fellow Hall of Famer Nathan Buckley is the only Territorian to win the prestigious Brownlow Medal.

Darwin has four clubs; Nightcliff Tigers, Palmerston Reds, Pints and Tracy Village Rebels.

In 2022, the Darwin Salties debuted in the Queensland-based NBL1 North competition, making the NBL1 the first Australian sport league to have clubs based in and playing out of every state and territory in Australia.

The Hidden Valley Raceway facility also contains a drag strip as part of Hidden Valley Raceway's main straight, and a nearby Speedway, Northline Speedway, for short circuit dirt surface racing.

[30][31] Red CentreNATS is an automotive lifestyle festival with Burnout competitions and drag racing event's.

The territory has the highest participation rate per capita for Rugby League than any other state governing body in Australia.

The National Rugby League has conducted numerous clinics and hosted regular pre-season matches in the territory since 1998.

Local domestic competitions are based in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine and Gove.

Local senior club competitions are based in Darwin, Alice Springs and Katherine.

Darwin's Hottest 7s, with a prize pool of $65,000 in 2013, is the richest Rugby sevens tournament in the Southern Hemisphere.

[45] Alice Springs Turf Club has the Pioneer Park Racecourse in Connellan, Northern Territory.

The Darwin Football Stadium was officially opened on 28 July 2007 when it played host to an A-League Pre-Season Cup game between Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory.

On 2 July 2009, A-League teams, Adelaide United FC and North Queensland Fury played a pre-season friendly at the stadium.

[53] Reigning Football Federation Association Champions Adelaide United defeated Darwin Olympic 6–1 in a cup match at Marrara Oval in August 2015.