2026 Sal’s NBL Free Agency Update: Volume 3

Sal’s NBL Free Agency Update: New Signings Keep Coming, Season Tip Off in 45 days

Free agency continues to tick along across the Sal’s NBL, and the latest wave of announcements has added a mix of proven leadership, emerging local talent and frontcourt versatility as teams keep shaping their 2026 builds. Canterbury have locked in their captain while continuing strong youth development, Wellington have added another high-upside big to an already headline-heavy roster while re-signing one of the country’s brightest young prospects, and Auckland raided a fellow final’s team roster to claim their first import of the year.

To catch up on all the Free Agent signings click on the Free Agency Tracker Link here or read on for the latest updates, plus a recap of previously announced signings.

Rams lock in their engine as Britt re-signs, Martin returns for development season

The Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams have secured a major piece of their identity with team captain Taylor Britt re-signing for 2026. Head Coach Quinn Clinton labelled Britt the “engine” of the team and the player the Rams trust in big moments, pointing to the standard he sets both on and off the floor. Britt returns to the Rams following his first season in the Aussie NBL with the NZ Breakers and will be entering his ninth Sal’s NBL season as he looks to keep growing as a player and leader while steering Canterbury back toward another finals push.

Canterbury have also confirmed Mana Martin will return as a development player. The 18-year-old appeared in eight Sal’s NBL games last season and is primed to take on more responsibility after an eye-catching Rapid League campaign. Martin averaged 12.5 points per game in Rapid League (second-best in the competition) and set a new single-game record with 31 points against the Taranaki Airs in Rapid action a season ago. Clinton praised Martin’s offseason work, highlighting improved decision-making and a stronger defensive presence as he looks to translate his Rapid League impact into consistent Sal’s NBL minutes.

Whai add experience and leadership as Te Rangi joins for 2026

The Northern Group Tauranga Whai have made a major statement for 2026, signing Reuben Te Rangi as the club builds with serious intent. A proven small forward and respected leader, Te Rangi arrives with 14 years of Sal’s NBL experience and 350+ games across our league and Australian NBL, bringing immediate impact on both ends of the floor.

Head Coach Matt Lacey described the signing as “a big moment” for the club’s third season, noting the Whai targeted more experience, leadership and talent for 2026 and that Te Rangi delivers all three. For Te Rangi, the move is about buying into the direction the Whai are heading, saying he’s excited by what the club is building and wants to help drive its success.

With a Tall Black pedigree and a reputation for professionalism, Te Rangi’s arrival strengthens Tauranga’s roster and adds a battle-tested presence as the Whai look to build on their inaugural post-season appearance a season ago

Saints add Aliir and keep backing local talent with Chunga return

The Mills Albert Wellington Saints have continued to add talent to their championship defence, signing Akech Aliir for the upcoming season. Currently with the South East Melbourne Phoenix in the Australian NBL, the 6’9” Aliir brings size, athleticism and versatility, with the ability to operate across both the four and five spots while offering modern skills that fit multiple line-ups.

Saints CEO Jordan Mills said the club believes Aliir is ready to take a major leap with increased responsibility in Wellington, describing him as a versatile big who can space the floor, handle the ball and defend multiple positions. Head Coach Aaron Young echoed that excitement, pointing to Aliir’s motor and versatility as a strong fit for the Saints’ DNA and the roster they are continuing to build.

Wellington have also confirmed the return of Aubrey Chunga for 2026, re-signing one of New Zealand’s bright young prospects as he prepares to take on a bigger role. The Year 13 student at HIBS has continued to take significant strides within the Saints environment and comes in fresh off a gold medal at the Oceania U17 Tournament, where New Zealand defeated Australia in the final. Mills described Chunga as a star in the making and a local product with the ability to contribute on both ends, as the Saints continue investing in the next generation even as they build a roster capable of another deep run.

Tuatara add shooting and continuity as Wilkie returns, Bairstow joins the mix

The Jadcup Auckland Tuatara have continued to add depth and shooting for 2026, confirming Dylan Wilkie will return after an impressive first season with the club. The former Westlake Boys wing made his mark in Rapid League with his three-point shooting, while also delivering big moments at Sal’s NBL level, earning a second season in Auckland colours. His size on the wing can be tought to match on both ends of the court and Coach Cam Gliddon will be hoping that Wilkie’s shooting translates to the Sal’s NBL to provide better floor spacing for Rob Loe and company on the interior.

Auckland have also brought in Sean Bairstow, a versatile forward who showed promising signs during his second season with the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian NBL. Bairstow, the younger brother of former NBA forward Cam and NBL champion Jarred, developed through the US college system before launching his professional career with the Breakers. He also gained Sal’s NBL experience with the Tauranga Whai a season ago, producing across the board with his intriguing mix of size and athleticism as he helped guide the squad to their inaugural post-season appearance before bowing out to the eventual champs in the semi-final. His unique mix of size and speed will be valuable as do-it-all piece defensively, while his unique set of size and skill on the offensive end can make him a match-up nightmare for a Tuatara team focused on a deep finals run in 2026.

More to come

Free agency is far from finished, with further roster announcements expected as clubs continue filling remaining spots ahead of the 2026 season.

Free agency movement so far

Find the Free Agency Tracker Link here

New additions and re-signings covered in this update

Rams: Taylor Britt (re-signed), Mana Martin (development / re-signed)

Saints: Akech Aliir (new), Aubrey Chunga (re-signed)

Tuatara: Dylan Wilkie (re-signed), Sean Bairstow (new)

Whai: Reuben Te Rangi (new)

Previously announced (from earlier updates)

Giants: Alex McNaught (re-signed), Liam Judd (re-signed), Kruz Perrott-Hunt (new), James Matthews (re-signed)

Jets: Dontae Russo-Nance (re-signed), William Heather (new), Byron Mullens (import), Kazlo Evens Jr (new, from Saints), Ngor Nai (new import), Kaden Sand (new import), Nate Wilson (new), Hamza Zahran (new), Christian McDaniel (new)

Saints: Sam Gold (re-signed), Carlin Davison (new), Jordan Hunt (new)

Sharks: Samuel Timmins (re-signed), Tukaha Cooper (re-signed), Tobias Cameron (new, from Bulls), Max Darling (new, from Rams)

Tuatara: Robert Loe (re-signed), Zach Riley (re-signed), Joshua Wyllie (re-signed)

Whai: Jayden Bezzant (re-signed), Nick Stoddart (new)

Rams: Jack Andrew (new, from Taranaki Airs)