New Zealand Breakers announce new ownership

The New Zealand Breakers have unveiled a significant shift in their ownership structure, with Kiwi-American businessman and attorney, Marc Mitchell, now at the helm.

Mitchell is joined by local stakeholders Leon Grice, who takes on the role of Deputy Chairman, alongside Stephen Grice and Sean Colgan. In a notable return, former owners Paul and Liz Blackwell are re-entering as shareholders, with Paul taking on a Directorial position.

Commenting on the ownership shift, Mitchell, said: “Owning the Breakers is a dream. We’re building a team that champions New Zealand and resonates globally.”

The announcement also brings the inclusion of New Zealand basketball icon Tom Abercrombie, who will serve as a special advisor to the ownership group, signalling a commitment to merging local basketball expertise with management.

NBL owner and executive chairman, Larry Kestelman, welcomed the new ownership, highlighting the potential for an exciting new chapter for the Breakers and New Zealand basketball as a whole.

Kestelman expressed readiness to support this new group’s growth trajectory, indicative of the NBL’s interest in fostering competitive and dynamic teams within the league.

In a related development, the Breakers appointed Dillon Boucher as President of Basketball Operations on Saturday, a move that underlines their strategic focus on enhancing operational effectiveness in pursuit of sporting success.

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