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Expressions of Interest Open for Hamilton Teams

The New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) and Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa (Tauihi) (both Leagues) are fully owned by Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) and operated by National Basketball League Limited (NBLL). 

The NZNBL competition commenced in 1982 and currently has eleven (11) Teams competing in 2025, with a desire to add a twelfth (12^th) Team – it is New Zealand’s professional men’s basketball competition playing in an 18/19-week season from April to August. Each Team is scheduled to play eleven (11) x home games and eleven (11) x away games, plus finals.

The Tauihi competition commenced in 2022 and currently has five (5) Teams competing in 2025, with a desire to add a sixth (6^th) Team – it is New Zealand’s professional women’s basketball competition playing in a 12/13-week season from late September to mid-December. Each Team is scheduled to play six (6) x home games and six (6) x away games and plus finals.

The Leagues are built on adopting a fans-first approach with delivering entertainment at its core, and showcasing elite-level, athletic and entertaining basketball. Each business model (League and Teams) is strongly encouraged to focus on revenue, fan engagement and brand.

The Leagues currently enjoy live broadcasts globally of all games, along with a rapidly growing media presence and rising commerciality. Sky is the official broadcast partner of all games.

 

Expression Of Interest

By expression of interest (EOI), an opportunity for a further one (1) Franchise is being sought to enter each League in season 2026. BBNZ has identified Hamilton, New Zealand, as the location for (1) new Franchise to enter each League in 2026.

The NBLL Commission invites expressions of interest to be submitted by close of business (COB) Friday, 20 June 2025 (NZ Time).

EOI Requirements

• Interested parties will need to indicate a willingness to sign a preliminary Term Sheet (please request a copy asap if you are interested) as a part of the submission. The Term Sheet includes a purchase fee for each Franchise and a guaranteed underwrite; and
• Provide an overview of playing and training facilities, located in Hamilton; and
• Provide an overview of the ownership, board structure and corporate structure
• Provide an overview of staffing structure; and
• Provide details on the preferred Team name and colours.

 

Deadline for EOI

Expressions of Interest should be received by close of business (COB) Friday, 20 June 2025 (NZ Time).

 

Announcements

An announcement on any new teams will be made at the appropriate time.

 

Enquiries

Interested parties should address any enquiry to Leagues General Manager Maree Taylor.

 

EOI Submission

Expressions of Interest should be forwarded to Leagues General Manager Maree Taylor (leagues@nz.basketball)