New Zealand Breakers have been sold: reports

The New Zealand Breakers NBL club have been sold, thepost.co.nz reported.

The Post said: "Multiple sources, including some close to the situation at the club’s North Shore headquarters, have confirmed the sale, which it is understood will be officially revealed on Monday."

Matt Walsh, 42, was part of a consortium called Breakers Basketball Ltd that bought the New Zealand Breakers in February 2018.

Walsh was the majority owner and CEO until August 2023 but he stepped aside from the role and has been making business decision from the US since.

The Post also reports New Zealand Breakers staff had been told of the sale and "there was to be a total clean out of front office personnel, and that new people were to be brought in to run the club."

New Zealand has six players still under contract heading into NBL26: Import Tacko Fall; Sam Mennenga; Max Darling; Mitch McCarron who is playing in NBL1 2025; Sean Bairstow and NBL Next Star Karim Lopez.

The change in ownership needs to be approved by the NBL. The sale price has not be revealed.

NBL owner Larry Kestelman sold 51% the NBL24 champion Tasmania JackJumpers on February 22, 2025.

The team was sold to Brisbane private equity firm Altor Capital through its "emerging growth fund" on Friday night after three months of negotiations.

ESPN is reporting the JackJumpers were sold for $35 million.

‍ESPN further reported: "The JackJumpers' substantial valuation comes within 12 months of both the Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United being valued at $40 million."

"This is an exciting day for the NBL, the Tasmania JackJumpers and basketball in Tasmania," Kestelman said.

"Together with the Tasmanian government and the community, we built this incredible club from the ground up in only five years and in that time the JackJumpers have become an integral part of the state and the NBL.

"They have enjoyed remarkable success on and off the court and brought so much joy to so many.

"From the outset the plan was to build a legacy piece for the state and something the community will have to support and celebrate for decades to come."

Altor Capital has secured a 51% stake and plans to take full ownership within two years.

Five Fast Facts about the New Zealand Breakers

1. Founded in 2003: The New Zealand Breakers were established in 2003 and are the only NBL team based outside of Australia.
2. Four-Time NBL Champions: The Breakers have won four NBL championships, with titles in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015, making them one of the most successful teams in NBL history.
3. First Non-Australian Champions: In 2011, the Breakers became the first non-Australian team to win the NBL championship, marking a significant achievement in the league’s history.
4. Dynasty of the Early 2010s: The Breakers’ three consecutive championships from 2011 to 2013, under head coach Andrej Lemanis, solidified them as one of the greatest dynasties in NBL history.
5. Home Games at Spark Arena: The Breakers play their home games at Spark Arena in Auckland, which has a capacity of around 9,000 fans and provides one of the best atmospheres in the NBL.

Who is Matt Walsh

On September 24, 2015, Walsh officially announced his retirement from professional basketball, concluding a 10-year playing career that spanned multiple continents and leagues. While many players struggle with the transition away from playing, Walsh was prepared to enter a new phase of his career.

In a surprising and significant career pivot, Walsh moved from player to owner when he headed a consortium to purchase the New Zealand Breakers of Australia's National Basketball League (NBL) in February 2018. This transaction marked Walsh's entry into team ownership and basketball administration at a high level.

Walsh took on the roles of majority owner and CEO of the Breakers, immediately becoming one of the most visible team owners in the NBL.

Under Walsh's leadership, the Breakers continued to be one of the NBL's most recognisable franchises. The team had won four NBL championships between 2011 and 2015, establishing themselves as one of the league's powerhouses before Walsh's ownership.

In August 2023, Walsh stepped aside from his CEO role while maintaining his ownership position. This transition allowed him to focus on higher-level strategic decisions while bringing in specialised management for day-to-day operations.