New Zealand Breakers: Five things you need to know

• The Breakers are the only non-Australian NBL team
• New Zealand has four NBL titles
• Won four of those titles in a five-year period

The New Zealand Breakers hold a unique position in the National Basketball League as the only team based outside of Australia, proudly representing New Zealand on the professional basketball stage. Playing their home games at Spark Arena in Auckland, the Breakers have cultivated a passionate fan base that spans the entire nation, making them a symbol of Kiwi pride.

Their identity is deeply rooted in both local culture and a strong sense of community, which has helped them build one of the most dedicated and enthusiastic followings in the league. The Breakers are predominantly remembered for their mid 2010s dominance as they won 4 championships in a five-year period.

Today, the Breakers are strongly fighting in pursuit of future championships and continued growth of basketball in New Zealand.

2024-25 Season Summary 

• Record (10-19)
• Finish 9th (Missed playoffs)
• All NBL Selections: -

2025 Off-Season Additions

• Izaiah Brockington
• Izayah Le'Afa
• Reuben Te Rangi
• Rob Loe 
• Taylor Britt

The New Zealand Breakers approached the 2025 off-season with a clear goal: build a tougher, more cohesive unit rooted in Kiwi identity. Four of the Breakers’ key off-season additions, Izayah Le'Afa, Reuben Te Rangi, Rob Loe, and Taylor Britt are all New Zealand natives, signalling a clear intent from the club to reconnect with its roots. 

Le’Afa brings hard-nosed perimeter defense and a relentless work ethic that reflects the traditional Breakers DNA. He’s a guard who doesn’t need the ball to impact games, offering hustle, toughness, and vocal leadership on and off the court. Reuben Te Rangi, a seasoned Tall Black, adds experience, versatility, and defensive size on the wing. He’s been a proven winner at both the NBL and international levels, and his ability to guard multiple positions and knock down open shots makes him a valuable two-way piece.

Rob Loe, returning to the Breakers after a few years away, offers a veteran presence in the frontcourt with his combination of basketball IQ, floor spacing, and interior toughness. He knows the club’s culture and system well and will likely play a key leadership role for the younger core. Taylor Britt rounds out the Kiwi contingent, bringing speed, aggression, and a slashing mindset off the bench. His development in the NZNBL and his ability to play both guard spots gives the Breakers some much needed depth and lineup flexibility.

The addition of Izaiah Brockington, an American import known for his athleticism and shot creation also gives the team a much needed offensive spark. 

Potential Line-up

1. ‍PG: Parker Jackson-Cartwright (IP) | Taylor Britt | Alex McNaught (DP)‍
2. SG: Izaiah Brockington (IP)* | Izayah Le'Afa | Kaia Isaac (DP)‍
3. SF: Karim Lopez (NS) | Sean Bairstow | Carlin Davison‍
4. PF: — | Reuben Te Rangi | Max Darling‍
5. C: Sam Mennenga | Rob Loe

Team History

The New Zealand Breakers joined the NBL in the 2003-04 season Their first few years were marked by instability, including a mid-season coaching change in their inaugural year and no finish higher than 9th on the table until 2008. The arrival of Kiwi sharpshooter Kirk Penney in 2007 helped elevate the club into a playoff contender, and by the turn of the decade, the Breakers were building something special.

From 2011 to 2015, the Breakers dominated the NBL like no other team in the league's modern history. With stars like Penney, Cedric Jackson, Mika Vukona, Thomas Abercrombie, and CJ Bruton, New Zealand won four championships in five years, including a rare three-peat from 2011 to 2013. 

After the threepeat in 2013, the Breakers missed the playoffs entirely in 2014 before regrouping and taking a run at one last championship in 2015. In the series clinching match of the finals, Ekene Ibekwe scored a buzzer beating dagger to win the title and end the Breakers dynasty runs with a bang.

After the breakup of their championship core, the Breakers experienced a turbulent stretch both on and off the court. While the likes of Tai Webster and Scotty Hopson gave fans brief hope, the team struggled for consistency and missed the playoffs multiple times. A new era began in 2018 when former NBA player Matt Walsh led a consortium that bought the team, ushering in a new direction.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the Breakers harder than most. Forced to play in Australia for nearly two full seasons, the team saw its worst-ever finish in 2022. But in true Breakers fashion, they bounced back in 2022-23 under new coach Mody Maor, making a surprise run to the grand final before falling in a tight five-game series to the Sydney Kings.

The 2023-24 season saw longtime captain and club legend Thomas Abercrombie retire after 429 games, ending one of the most decorated careers in NBL history. A poor season led to the Breakers finishing near the bottom of the table once again. 

The Breakers started the 2024-25 season with a 6-2 record following a 34-point win over Melbourne United on the road. The Breakers entered the FIBA break in second place with a 7-3 record. However, following the FIBA break, the Breakers suffered six straight losses by an average of 22 points per game

Five Fast Facts

1. Breakers Next Star Karim Lopez is a projected top 10 pick in the 2026 NBA draft
2. The name ‘Breakers’ refers to the waves breaking on the New Zealand shore and is  meant to be associated with "making a fast break" and "fast scoring"
3. The Breakers have had one of the most successful Next Stars programs in the NBA with several players being drafted to the NBA recently
4. The Breakers only have one Aussie on their roster currently
5. NBA players who played for the Breakers include Ousmane Dieng, Ryan Rupert and RJ Hampton

Club Timeline

• ‍2003-04: Joined NBL as first team outside of Australia‍
• 2007: Kirk Penney arrives, Breakers become playoff contenders.‍
• 2011-13: Dominant era, win three straight championships ‍
• 2014: Miss playoffs, breaking streak.‍
• 2015: Win 4th title; Ekene Ibekwe buzzer-beater seals championship.‍
• 2016-17: Championship core breaks up, team struggles with consistency and misses playoffs multiple times.‍
• 2020-22: COVID forces team to play in Australia‍
• 2022-23: Surprise grand final run under coach Mody Maor; lose to Sydney Kings in 5 games.‍
• 2024-25: Inconsistent season plagued by injury has Breakers towards the bottom of the standings

The Breakers have always carried a different kind of responsibility, not just competing in a league, but representing a country. That brings its own challenges and a unique way of building a roster, but also a sense of purpose. Through highs and lows, the team has shown a willingness to adapt, rebuild, and to stay connected to its roots. NBL26 will give them yet another chance to showcase Kiwi pride.