Australia and New Zealand set to reignite basketball rivalry in the inaugural Trans-Tasman Throwdown at GLOBOX Arena, Claudelands

Basketball fans are in for an unforgettable showcase as the Trans-Tasman Throwdown makes its debut, pitting Australia against New Zealand in an electrifying series and reigniting one of sports fiercest rivalries. The Boomers will take on the Tall Blacks whilst the Opals will go up against the 2degrees Tall Ferns across three games in both countries, culminating in the final game across the Tasman in Kirikiriroa (Hamilton) on Sunday 11 May.

This series marks a fantastic opportunity for basketball fans across Australia and New Zealand to see their national sides live in action with this being the first time the Boomers have played the Tall Blacks in Australia since 2021 and close to ten years since the Tall Blacks hosted the Boomers in New Zealand.

For the Opals and 2degrees Tall Ferns, the Australians edged out New Zealand in bronze medal match of the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in Sydney. Since then, they have not played one another in New Zealand since 2015, and the 2degrees Tall Ferns have not played at home in over five years.

Basketball New Zealand are ecstatic to welcome Sky Sport on board for the Trans-Tasman Throwdown as broadcast partners for the series. All three double-headers will be broadcast live and exclusively on Sky Sport.

‘We are incredibly excited for the Trans-Tasman Throwdown. The rivalry between our two countries is unmatched, and these three games promise to be action packed. To be able to host the Tall Blacks and 2degrees Tall Ferns at home, in front of a home crowd is huge for us. The Tall Blacks have not played Australia in Aotearoa for nearly ten years, and the 2dgrees
Tall Ferns have not played at home for over five. We cannot wait to host Australia in Hamilton for what promises to be an incredible experience that fans will not want to miss.’
Dillon Boucher, CE, Basketball New Zealand.

Event Details
Sunday 11th May
GLOBOX Arena, Hamilton, New Zealand

Tall Blacks v Boomers
Event Start – 1pm

2degrees Tall Ferns v Opals
Event Start – 3pm

General Public on-sale:
- 10:00AM NZDT Wednesday, 5th February

Tickets start from $19 and available from Ticketek.