Tauranga’s newest sports facility is set to host its first national tournament - and it’s a slam dunk for local basketball fans.

The Foot Locker Under 20 Basketball Nationals will take place over King’s Birthday weekend, from 30 May to 2 June 2025, at the new University of Waikato Haumaru Sport and Recreation Centre. The former site of The Warehouse on Cameron Road was purchased by Tauranga City Council in early 2024 and has been converted into a multi-purpose sport and recreation centre featuring indoor sports courts.

Supported by Tauranga City Council through the Tauranga Event Fund, this Basketball New Zealand tournament gives representative-level players a final chance to compete at age-group level on the national stage. It brings together young talent from across the country – including Kiwis returning from overseas – and is free for the public to attend.

Bethlehem Ward Councillor Kevin Schuler, who helped officially open Haumaru earlier this month, says the tournament is a great opportunity for the city and community.

“We’re proud to support the U20 National Basketball event through the Tauranga Event Fund. National sporting events like this strengthen our community by providing opportunities for connection, participation, and inspiration, especially for our younger generations.

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“Basketball continues to grow rapidly in Aotearoa, and hosting this national competition shows we’re serious about being a city that supports youth development.

“Hosting national sporting events such as this also attracts visitors and wider economic benefits for Tauranga and helps raise our profile as a great host city – so it’s a win-win for everyone.

“This new facility right in the heart of Tauranga is already proving its worth by being able to host this event and sets the stage for an exciting long weekend of sport. It really is going to be something special.

“We also encourage visitors who are here for the event to take time to enjoy everything our city has to offer.”

Basketball’s rise in Tauranga has been remarkable. Since 2009, the number of teams registered with the Tauranga City Basketball Association has nearly quadrupled from 228 to an impressive 812 in 2024.

Mark Rogers, General Manager of Tauranga City Basketball, says demand for court space has surged alongside the sport’s popularity.

“We’ve seen huge growth over the past decade. Numbers grew steadily until 2023, when a lack of space began to hold us back. The addition of the Haumaru facility to the Council-owned network will open the door for further growth in the coming years.”

The U20 Nationals are a key development event for players, referees and coaches across the country, and are gaining international recognition. The upcoming event will welcome 16 men’s teams and 8 women’s teams from across New Zealand, all of whom have earned their place through regional qualifiers. Referees are also hand-picked for their performance as part of national development pathways.

Many athletes who compete will go on to secure college scholarships in the USA or professional contracts in Australia’s National Basketball League and Women’s National Basketball League.

“Currently, there are around 150 New Zealanders on college basketball scholarships in the USA, with the vast majority having played in the U20 Nationals in previous years,” says Jay Macdonald, Basketball New Zealand’s Tournaments Lead.

“This year, some Tauranga players will be back from their college to represent Tauranga City Basketball Association.”

Spectators who attend can expect fast-paced, high-quality basketball with many players coming from Sal’s National Basketball League, G.J. Gardner Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa, and US college teams.

Stu Stevenson, Head of Sport and Fitness at Bay Venues, says the tournament is a fitting way to mark the opening of the new facility.

“We are excited to be hosting the Foot Locker U20 Nationals basketball tournament at the newly opened centre. This event is particularly special for us as it will be the first tournament held at Haumaru. We look forward to welcoming some of the best young basketball players from across the country and providing them with a new venue to showcase their skills.”

With seating for spectators and free public entry, the community is encouraged to come along and experience the energy, talent and passion of New Zealand’s future basketball stars – right here in Tauranga.

Event details:
What: Foot Locker U20 Basketball Nationals
When: Friday, 30 May – Monday, 2 June 2025 (King’s Birthday weekend)
Where: University of Waikato, Haumaru Sport and Recreation Centre
Cost: Free entry

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