Huw Beynon appointed as GM of Leagues

Huw Beynon has been announced as the new General Manager of Leagues, as the sport of basketball looks to continue to build upon its transformational growth across New Zealand.

Beynon, 33, steps into this position following a successful stint with Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) this year, working in the dual roles of NBL Media Manager and Tall Blacks Manager. His new role will encompass the men’s and women’s Sal’s NBL and the League’s 3×3 events including the Christmas Classic and Schick 3×3 Cup.

His name is already well-known in the basketball sector as both a basketball journalist and broadcaster; having worked in a number of media outlets as well as commentating the Sal’s NBL Showdown, Schick 3X3 Cup, and the Sal’s NBL 18IN18 game through Sky Sport.

Beynon’s appointment comes after the recent announcement of Justin Nelson departing the GM role, following an impactful three-year stint in which the NBL staff helped transform the league while facing the constant threat of Covid. His efforts resulted in Basketball New Zealand winning a national Covid-response award, after he helped to build one of the sporting world’s first hub competitions and negotiated an agreement with ESPN for NBL games to be broadcast in the United States.

Beynon says that he is honoured to be embark on this new journey, as the sport of basketball looks to continue its phenomenal growth across New Zealand.

“I’m delighted to step into the General Manager role at such a great time in NBL history. The work Justin Nelson and Maree Taylor [Leagues Operations Manager] have done over the last three years, under the stewardship of Iain Potter, has turned the men’s league around,” says Beynon.

“To continue that work, which I have been lucky enough to play a recent part in, is really rewarding.

“We’ve got some game changing announcements coming in the next few weeks, which we’re confident will propel the women’s league to a place it has never been before – it’s an incredibly exciting time to be involved in basketball in New Zealand, and I can’t wait to get to work with Dillon Boucher and the BBNZ team.”

BBNZ Chief Executive, Dillon Boucher, says that Beynon is a smart choice for the role, given his experience, knowledge of the game and demonstrated passion for basketball.

“We had a large number go through the application process and we had some very strong candidates,” says Boucher.

“Huw was outstanding in the interview process and with his knowledge of the Sal’s NBL, he was the obvious choice.

“We expect him to build upon Justin’s past work, as we look to solidify the Sal’s NBL as one of leading sporting competitions in this country.”

Beynon steps in the GM role this week, ahead of the start of the Schick 3×3 Cup in Feb 2022 followed by the Sal’s NBL men’s season launching in April.