The BNZ Breakers are preparing for a blockbuster run, starting with a crucial road game against the Sydney Kings on Saturday, 4th October, before launching their campaign in the new, high-stakes Hungry Jack’s NBL Ignite Cup.

The BNZ Breakers are looking to extend the explosive form shown against the Perth Wildcats; after trailing 62-59 at three-quarter time, the Breakers opened the final period with 15 straight points to forge a double-digit lead. Perth unleashed a powerful fightback to ultimately win that game.

"We continued to make improvements in key areas in what was another step in the right direction, if not the result we were looking for. " Said Head Coach Petteri Koponen. "While there is still work to be done for us to reach the level of intensity we need, the entire group is committed to putting in the work necessary and we have had another good week in practice building to Sydney this weekend.

Following their road game in Sydney, they are back in Auckland at Spark Arena on Wednesday 8 October.

The BNZ Breakers will make their Ignite Cup debut at home against the NBL 25 Champions, the Illawarra Hawks, in what is set to be a blockbuster clash.

They begin participation in the highly anticipated Hungry Jack’s NBL Ignite Cup, a groundbreaking in-season tournament launched this season which promises to revolutionise Wednesday night basketball.

Adding a thrilling new dimension to the game, the Ignite Cup features a unique quarter-by-quarter scoring system. While a team earns 3 points for an overall game win, they can also accumulate points for the Ignite Cup ladder by winning quarters. A team will earn 1 point for each quarter won, and 0.5 points will be awarded to each team for a drawn quarter. This innovative format ensures that every possession counts, turning each quarter into a high-stakes battle.

BNZ Breakers President of Basketball Operations Dillon Boucher expressed his enthusiasm for the new competition. "Our club is excited about the Ignite Cup," he stated. "It’s a fantastic innovation for the NBL that brings a new level of intensity to our Wednesday night games and creates more high-stakes moments for our fans.

"The significant prize money is a brilliant incentive that will ensure every team is fighting tooth and nail from the opening tip to the final buzzer. We're thrilled to bring this new brand of basketball to our supporters at Spark Arena."

The Ignite Cup introduces 21 extra games to the NBL schedule, with all Wednesday night clashes counting towards both the regular season standings and a separate Ignite Cup ladder.

The tournament culminates in a standalone final.

"For the business community, our Wednesday night game is the perfect midweek break. Spark Arena is an ideal setting to connect with clients, energize your team, and celebrate in an atmosphere that's simply electric with shared excitement," said BNZ Breakers Club Chairman Marc Mitchell.

For general tickets, go to tickets.nzbreakers.basketball

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