1981 NBL season
| 1981 NBL season | |
|---|---|
| League | National Basketball League | 
| Sport | Basketball | 
| Duration | 14 February – 21 June 1981 (Regular season) 27–28 June 1981 (Finals)  | 
| Number of games | 22 | 
| Number of teams | 12 | 
| TV partner(s) | ABC | 
| Regular season | |
| Season champions | St. Kilda Saints | 
| Season MVP | Mike Jones (Illawarra) | 
| Top scorer | Mike Jones (Illawarra) | 
| Finals | |
| Champions | Launceston Casino City (1st title) | 
| Runners-up | Nunawading Spectres | 
The 1981 NBL season was the third season of the National Basketball League (NBL).