NZ Breakers Sign Multi-Year Sponsorship Deal with Bank of New Zealand

The New Zealand Breakers will now be known as the BNZ Breakers after signing a multi-year deal with one of the nation’s biggest banks, the Bank of New Zealand.

The initial three year new deal forges a strong partnership between two of the country’s strongest sporting and business brands with instant name recognition across Aotearoa.

“We are delighted to partner with BNZ, an organisation that shares our passion and commitment in growing the game of basketball,” says Breakers Chief Executive, Lisa Edser.

“BNZ is a trusted and highly recognised brand and we are excited that they have chosen to partner with us to help achieve their community aspirations across New Zealand.”

BNZ Chief Executive Dan Huggins says the bank is thrilled to back the Breakers.

"From nurturing young talent in Kiwi Hoops, to bolstering women’s basketball with the Northern K?hu, and now backing the premier professional team, the BNZ Breakers, our support is generational,” he says.

“Through these partnerships, we want to inspire the next generation and provide resources and opportunities that will help grow the sport, promote physical health, and foster a sense of community.”

Today’s announcement brings to an end the naming rights partnership with the Breakers and Sky Sport.

However, all Breakers’ games will continue to be broadcast live on New Zealand’s home of sport.

“I want to thank Sky for backing the Breakers since 2019,” says 

“We relied heavily on them during the two COVID years where we were forced to live in Australia and we are forever grateful that their support never wavered. 

“It’s fantastic we were able to provide them great ratings over the championship run last season and we look forward to providing them big numbers again when the season begins next month.”

Sky Sport Head of Commercial and Events Justin Nelson believes the time is right for the Breakers to welcome a new naming rights partner.

“Sky Sport have enjoyed four drama filled seasons with the Breakers,”  he says.

“We are excited by the news that BNZ will be extending their support of basketball with the Breakers and look forward to broadcasting all their games this season. 

“Let’s get behind the BNZ Breakers and hope they go one better than last season.” 

The Breakers are the most successful of New Zealand’s teams playing in Australian sporting competitions.

The club has been one of the dominant forces in the NBL for 20 years, appearing in the Championship Series six times, winning the title four times.

Last season’s Championship Series between the Breakers and the Sydney was widely regarded by Australian critics as the greatest series ever played in the 44 year history of the competition with the Kings winning 3-2.

It drew unprecedented viewing and attendance figures across both New Zealand and Australia with a record 9,742 fans attending Game 4 at Spark Arena. 

The BNZ Breakers’ first game in the new season will be next month at Spark Arena against the Cairns Taipans on September 30.

There is unprecedented interest in the season opener because it doubles as the 400^th game for club captain Tom Abercrombie.

No other player in the club’s history has played as many games, or scored as many points, and at 36 years old, this may well be his farewell season. 

He has also been part of all four championship teams with the Breakers.