BNZ Breakers bring NBL action back to Hamilton

Basketball fans are in for a double dose of top-tier action, with the BNZ Breakers set to bring two Australian NBL games to Claudelands Arena this season.

The BNZ Breakers will take on the Tasmania JackJumpers on Friday 18 December 2026 and the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Thursday 4 February 2027 at Claudelands Arena.

Hamilton will be the only New Zealand city outside of Auckland to host the BNZ Breakers during the 2026/27 Australian NBL season, making the two fixtures a standout addition to the city’s sporting calendar.

Hamilton Mayor Tim Macindoe said he’s looking forward to seeing Claudelands Arena buzzing when the Breakers take the court.

“It’s fantastic to welcome the BNZ Breakers back to Hamilton for two games at Claudelands. Our city loves getting behind top-level sport, and these games are a great opportunity for families and basketball fans to enjoy the excitement right here in our city. These events also provide a welcome boost for local businesses, retailer and hospitality providers and the wider visitor economy,” said Mayor Macindoe.

The team will return to a venue where it has already produced a memorable result for Hamilton fans.

Last season, in December 2025, the BNZ Breakers edged the Sydney Kings in a nail-biting game at Claudelands Arena.

“I was lucky to be courtside for the BNZ Breakers’ fantastic come-from-behind 95-90 win over the Sydney Kings in their Ignite cup match at Claudelands last December, and experienced the excitement close-up. These two games against top teams in the competition are bound to attract huge crowds and I can’t wait," said Mayor Macindoe.

Dillon Boucher, four-time Australian NBL champion and current President of Basketball Operations at the BNZ Breakers, said returning to Hamilton is another great opportunity to connect with communities outside of Auckland.

“We had such a good time in Hamilton last year. The crowd was great, we got the result, and it was a no-brainer to come back. Hamilton gets plenty of top-level rugby and cricket, so we’re excited to bring more basketball into the mix for the fans," said Boucher.

Tickets will be on sale soon, sign up to hlive.co.nz sport updates to be one of the first to receive ticketing details.