NBL (New Zealand) 2026/27

The New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) stands as the top-tier men’s professional basketball competition in New Zealand. It operates on a franchise model with no promotion or relegation, ensuring stability for its participants. The league was established in 1981 and held its inaugural season the following year under the auspices of the New Zealand Basketball Federation, now known as Basketball New Zealand.

Competition follows a round-robin regular season where each of the eight teams plays 20 games against every other participant. The top six teams advance to the playoffs, beginning with play-in matches between the third and sixth seeds, followed by semi-finals and a Grand Final. The Southland Sharks hold the current title after defeating the Wellington Saints in the 2026 championship series. The Wellington Saints remain the most successful club, having claimed 13 titles.

The league has seen notable developments over the years, including the entry of an Australian team in 2019 and the introduction of a player draft in 2020. A significant partnership with Sky Sport in 2022 brought equal pay for men’s and women’s leagues under one umbrella. The competition runs parallel to the amateur National Basketball Tournament (NBT) and the women’s Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa, maintaining a distinct identity for male professionals.

Current franchises include the Auckland Tuatara, Bay Hawks, Canterbury Rams, Franklin Bulls, Manawatu Jets, and Nelson Giants. Additional clubs such as the Otago Nuggets, Southland Sharks, Taranaki Airs, Tauranga Whai, and Wellington Saints have also featured in recent seasons. The league is sponsored by Sal's Authentic New York Pizza and is commonly referred to as Sal's NBL.