Partnerships and Sponsorships
Are you looking to invest in a community and grow your brand alongside two passionate and exciting professional basketball teams?
Then look no further than Whai Basketball. Whai men play in the NZ NBL and Whai women play in the Tauihi League. All games are presented live on Sky Sport.
We are more than just basketball teams; we are part of Tauranga being a vibrant and socially connected city, where young people have their horizon of possibility lifted.
Opportunities
At Whai Basketball, we believe in fostering authentic collaborations that go beyond traditional sponsorship models. We understand that each organisation has unique goals and objectives, which is why we offer bespoke partnerships tailored to meet your specific needs.
Our properties include Whai teams in.
National Basketbal League (Mens)
Tauihi League (Womens)
Rapid League (Mens and Womens)
3x3 (mens and Womens)
We also have the "Whai HQ" with partnership opportunities with the Whai Academy and Whai Tribe programmes, leagues and events.
Our Partnership Opportunities
We offer a range of flexible partnership levels, designed to provide varying degrees of brand integration and engagement:
Title Partner: Exclusive naming rights and highest level of brand visibility across all Whai Basketball properties.
Major Partner: Prominent brand presence and significant engagement opportunities with our passionate fan base.
Official Partner: Strong brand association and targeted activation opportunities aligned with your key objectives.
Official Supporter: Valuable platform for brand exposure and connection with local communities through Whai Basketball initiatives.
Official Supplier: Strategic product integration and showcase opportunities within the Whai Basketball ecosystem.
Partnership Benefits
Our partnerships offer a multitude of benefits, including:
Nationwide Brand Exposure: Reach a captivated audience across New Zealand and the world through Sky Sport, ESPN, and YouTube.
Positive Community Impact: Align your brand with NZ’s fastest growing sport with deep roots in local communities.
Exclusive Hospitality Experiences: Elevate client and customer relationships through unique Whai Basketball experiences.
Employee Engagement: Foster team spirit and create lasting memories through Whai Basketball home game experiences.
Product Activation: Showcase your products and services through immersive brand experiences and sampling opportunities.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Demonstrate your commitment to social impact through collaborative initiatives with Whai Basketball.
Let's Build a Winning Partnership
We would be delighted to explore how a partnership with Whai Basketball can help you achieve your business goals. Let's schedule a meeting to discuss a customised partnership that delivers mutual value and lasting success.
About Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa
Tauihi means “to soar” in Te Reo Māori.
History was made in 2022 with the G.J. Gardner Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa League inaugural season. The league is made up of five women's teams; the Northern Kāhu, Tauranga Whai, Tokomanawa Queens, Mainland Pouākai and Southern Hoiho.
All games are broadcast live on SKY Sport. Showcasing Tall Ferns, international stars and rising young Kiwis.
About Sal's NBL
The National Basketball League (NBL) has been at the forefront of men's basketball in New Zealand since its inception in 1982.
The league has served as a stepping stone for players like Kirk Penney, Steven Adams, and Torrey Craig, who went on to play in the NBA and other prominent leagues worldwide.
The Tauranga Whai proudly joined the Sal's NBL in 2024 bringing the total number of teams in the league to 11.
All games are broadcast on SKY Sport, providing fans across New Zealand with unparalleled access to the action. Furthermore, the league's reach extends far beyond national borders, with international audiences tuning in to watch games on ESPN, solidifying the NZ NBL's position as a premier basketball competition with a truly global footprint.
About Rapid League
Rapid League is believed to be a world first, with the games set to play prior to every NBL & Tauihi game. Each Rapid League game consists of four by four-minute quarters, played mostly under the same rules.
Rapid League is reserved only for the seven players selected to come off the bench, meaning fans get to see more of the players that don't get as much court time during the NBL and Tauihi games.
Rapid League includes its own championship ladder - plus its own season MVP and other individual awards.
Rapid League points contribute to points on the NBL or Tauihi points-differential ladder meaning that every basket counts!
All Rapid League games are presented live on Sky Sport providing a unique sponsorship opportunity.
