History of New Zealand Breakers in Timeline

The New Zealand Breakers are a professional basketball team based in Auckland, New Zealand, competing in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). They are the sole New Zealand team in the NBL and one of only two non-Australian teams to have participated. The Breakers play their home games primarily at Spark Arena in Auckland. The team won its first NBL championship in 2011 and followed it up with consecutive titles in 2012 and 2013, achieving the second three-peat in NBL history. Their fourth championship came in 2015.

March 2003: Confirmation of Breakers Franchise

In March 2003, it was confirmed that a New Zealand basketball team would enter the Australian National Basketball League in the 2003–04 season, leading to the establishment of the Breakers franchise.

2005: Ownership by Liz and Paul Blackwell

In 2005, Liz and Paul Blackwell became the owners of the New Zealand Breakers, beginning their tenure with the team.

2005: Ownership change and coaching change

In 2005, Liz and Paul Blackwell took over ownership of the Breakers and Andrej Lemanis replaced Arsego as the coach for the 2005-06 season.

2007: First playoff appearance

In 2007, with the addition of Kirk Penney, the New Zealand Breakers made their first playoff appearance.

2008: Playoff Return

In 2008, the New Zealand Breakers returned to the playoffs behind the performance of Kirk Penney and C. J. Bruton.

2009: Playoff appearance with Penney and Bruton

In 2009, the Breakers returned to the playoffs behind Penney and C.J. Bruton.

2010: First minor premiership

In the 2010-11 season, the New Zealand Breakers earned their first minor premiership with a 22-6 record and reached their inaugural NBL grand final.

2011: First NBL championship

In 2011, the New Zealand Breakers won their first NBL championship, marking a significant milestone in the team's history.

2011: Minor premiership and second championship

In the 2011-12 season, the New Zealand Breakers claimed the minor premiership with a 21-7 record and won their second championship by defeating the Perth Wildcats.

2012: Second NBL championship

In 2012, the New Zealand Breakers successfully defended their NBL championship title, securing their second consecutive win.

2012: Departure of Wilkinson and return of Webster

In the 2012 off-season, Gary Wilkinson departed from the New Zealand Breakers, and Corey Webster returned to the squad after a 12-month suspension.

2013: Departure of Andrej Lemanis

During the 2013 off-season, long-time coach Andrej Lemanis departed from the New Zealand Breakers.

2013: Third NBL championship

In 2013, the New Zealand Breakers won their third NBL championship in a row, achieving the second three-peat in NBL history.

2014: Return of Cedric Jackson

After missing the playoffs in 2013-14, Cedric Jackson returned to the New Zealand Breakers for the 2014-15 season.

2015: Fourth NBL championship

In 2015, the New Zealand Breakers claimed their fourth NBL championship, adding another title to their achievements.

2015: Grand Final Loss and Personnel Changes

In 2015-16, the New Zealand Breakers lost the NBL grand final series to the Perth Wildcats, and chief executive Richard Clarke and coach Dean Vickerman parted ways with the organization.

2016: Missed playoffs

In 2016-17, the Breakers missed the playoffs.

2017: Best start and Penney's retirement

In the 2017-18 season, the Breakers had a 9-1 record early on, marking their best start in franchise history, and Kirk Penney retired following the season.

2018: Acquisition by Matt Walsh consortium

In 2018, a consortium headed by former NBA player Matt Walsh became the majority shareholders of the Breakers. The team missed the playoffs with a 12-16 record.

2019: Appointment of Dan Shamir and Acquisition of R. J. Hampton

In the 2019-20 season, the New Zealand Breakers appointed Dan Shamir as their new coach and acquired R. J. Hampton as part of the NBL Next Stars program, resulting in record home crowds.

2020: Season delay due to COVID-19

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020–21 season start date was delayed until January 2021. The Breakers were based in Australia and finished the season in eighth place.

January 2021: Delayed season start

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the start date of the 2020-21 season was delayed until January 2021.

2021: Season in Australia

In 2021-22 season, the Breakers played their entire season in Australia due to the pandemic and faced a COVID outbreak, resulting in their worst season with a 5-23 record.

2022: Maor Elevated to Head Coach

In 2022-23 season, assistant coach Mody Maor was elevated to head coach for the New Zealand Breakers and helped the team become championship contenders, reaching their first grand final series since 2016.

2023: Abercrombie Retirement and Maor Departure

Following the 2023-24 season, Thomas Abercrombie retired, and head coach Mody Maor departed to pursue a coaching opportunity in Asia.

2023: Missed Playoffs

The Breakers finished the 2023-24 season sixth with a 13-15 record and lost in the play-in game.

2024: Inconsistent performance and struggles

During the 2024-25 season, the New Zealand Breakers started with a 6-2 record but finished the regular season in second-to-last place with a 10-19 record.

March 2025: Acquisition by Marc Mitchell

In March 2025, Kiwi-American businessman and attorney Marc Mitchell acquired the New Zealand Breakers club.

November 2025: Pride insignia decision

In November 2025, the Breakers announced they would not wear the Pride insignia during the NBL and WNBL Pride Round due to religious and cultural concerns.