AFTER a tough couple of years across the basketball world, the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) is only looking forward, announcing Bay of Plenty Stingrays as the latest expansion side into the nation’s top league. The announcement was made last week following a detailed decision-making process that saw multiple Expressions of Interest (EOI) submitted for review, with a final four chosen. The League announced it would grant two licence’s for the 2024 season, with the Stingrays announced as the first team.

New NZNBL General Manager Huw Beynon said the the Stingrays had produced an “exemplary” bid on a number of fronts.

“When going through this expansion process, we looked for a basketball franchise with a solid business model and a genuine desire to be successful,” he said.

“But beyond that, we wanted a franchise who would represent their community at the highest level, and who would commit to building pathways for young athletes in their region – helping to grow the game of basketball and all the positives that come from it.

“The Bay of Plenty Stingrays absolutely nailed this ideal in their submission and left us with no doubt that they were the right choice, so we are very excited for the future of basketball in the Bay of Plenty.”

Bay of Plenty Stingrays spokesperson – and Bay of Plenty Basketball Foundation (BOPBF) – John Miller said they are thrilled to bringing top-level basketball to the Bay of Plenty region.

“We’re going to develop a competitive NBL team, who play hard to win but who also have a wider definition of success. The team ethos will be built around the concept of ‘by competing we get better together”, he said.

“Knowing the benefits sport provides to communities, we’re excited about the impact this will have on the region.”

The Bay of Plenty region will also establish a basketball academy in order to deliver on their goals of launching a platform to support young stars, and promote community sport in the region.

The BOPBF also announced the experienced Alex Stojkovic as the Director of Coaching for the Foundation. He will begin in role in a part-time capacity from February next year, in order to fulfil his existing commitments with the Te Aroha Basketball Association.

“Alex will oversee the development of our Academy and NBL Coaches – he has been instrumental in helping us with the setup of a Basketball Academy and with our bid for an NBL License,” Miller said. “His vision for the game is shaping our vision for Basketball in the Bay of Plenty. We hope that the community and local businesses will join us in supporting the Bay of Plenty NBL team, and the growth of our young people”.

The second NZNBL expansion team who will join the Stingrays in the 2024 Sal’s NBL will be announced in early January. Beynon said the expansion was proof of the growing popularity in the sport across New Zealand and the vitality of the league always looking to grow.

“Despite all the challenges that Covid has thrown at sport across Aotearoa and the world, it’s exciting to see the League continue to expand and go from strength to strength each season – it’s great for the players, the fans and the growth of the game at all levels,” he said.