The Sal’s NBL Preseason Westside Blitz is back, and 2025 promises to deliver more action, excitement, and community engagement than ever before. Following the success of 2024, this year’s event has expanded significantly, with 50% more teams, 50% more games, and a schedule that brings the action closer to the official tip-off of the NBL season.
Running daily from Tuesday, March 4, to Saturday, March 8, the Westside Blitz will feature 18 games across Greymouth (12 games) and Westport (6 games), bringing top-tier professional basketball to the heart of the West Coast. While the final schedule is yet to be revealed, fans can expect thrilling matchups as teams prepare to tip off the 2025 season with a bit of West Coast flavour.
The reigning West Coast Blitz champions, The Steelformers Taranaki Airs, will return to defend their title after claiming victory at the 2024 Blitz. With an expanded field of teams and fierce competition, their quest for back-to-back championships will be one of the key storylines of the tournament.
Off the court, the Westside Blitz continues to shine as a community-focused event. Over 2,000 tamariki will take part in school visits and skills clinics, gaining invaluable insights and inspiration from New Zealand’s top basketball players. Local hospitality will once again be a standout feature, with the West Coast showcasing its unique culture and welcoming atmosphere to visitors, players, and officials from around the country.
The event also serves as a vital preseason preparation platform for all facets of the league. Maree Taylor, General Manager of Leagues, emphasised the importance of this aspect:
“The Westside Blitz is not just about getting our players ready for the season—it’s an opportunity for our top-level referees to come together and prepare, for statisticians to further their development, and to deliver essential anti-doping education to all athletes and team management. It’s a complete preseason experience that strengthens every part of our league.”
The Westside Blitz has quickly become a marquee event, offering far more than just basketball games. The tournament serves as a platform to celebrate the sport and its wider impact, from nurturing the next generation of talent to boosting the local economy. Organisers estimate the 2025 event will surpass last year’s economic impact, which saw over $500,000 injected into the region.
As teams vie for the Westside Blitz Trophy, individual excellence will also be celebrated. The tournament’s most outstanding player will receive the Phill Jones Medal, named in honor of the legendary Tall Black and Reefton native.
Kelvin Fisher, the event’s founder and a proud ex-Coaster, is thrilled about what the expanded tournament will bring. “After the incredible success of 2024, we’re thrilled to make the Westside Blitz even bigger and better. It’s a celebration of basketball, community, and the unique spirit of the West Coast,” Fisher said.
Tickets for the 2025 Westside Blitz will be available soon, with options for single-day passes or full tournament access. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early, as excitement builds for what is set to be the biggest basketball event in the region’s history.
To stay updated on the latest news, schedules, and ticketing information head to WestsideBlitz.co.nz, and follow @nznbl on social media for all the latest news.
