Basketball Boom in New Zealand: Wellington’s Race to Build Courts for a New Generation

Basketball Boom in New Zealand: Wellington’s Race to Build Courts for a New Generation

Basketball is on a meteoric rise in New Zealand, and Wellington is at the forefront of this movement. With participation rates up 61% since 2000, basketball is not only New Zealand’s fastest-growing sport but is poised to become the country's most popular secondary school activity by 2026. However, as interest soars, the infrastructure is struggling to keep pace. New Zealand faces a staggering shortfall of approximately 500 basketball courts—and nowhere is this more evident than in Wellington.

A Critical Mission for the Capital
Wellington Saints CEO Jordan Mills highlighted the urgency of this issue during an interview with Adam Cooper on the Wellington All Sports Breakfast. "Our mission in 2025 is clear: build more courts," Mills stated. Partnering with Mills Albert, Pak'nSave, and Rutherford & Bond Toyota, the Saints aim to develop 10-15 new courts annually across the region. "Whether at schools or in council facilities, every court will make a difference. We’re committed to giving our youth the facilities they deserve."

Mills emphasized the importance of these efforts: "Basketball isn’t just a sport; it’s a gateway to physical health, community connection, and life skills. Getting more facilities means more kids can play, compete, and dream big."

The Need for Infrastructure
The lack of available courts has become a bottleneck. Existing facilities are overcrowded, limiting opportunities for young players to develop their skills. “You just need a ball and some shoes to play, but you also need a place to play,” noted host Adam Cooper. The demand is there; now, the infrastructure needs to follow.

Partnering for Impact
Key partners in this initiative share the vision of empowering youth through basketball. Mills Albert, Pak'nSave, and Rutherford & Bond Toyota are not just sponsors—they’re invested collaborators. "Our partners believe in the dream. They know that by building courts, we're building opportunities," Mills added.

A Call to Action: Be Part of the Change
The mission is clear, but it requires community support. "Every court we build brings us closer to a future where every child has access to the game," Mills urged. "We invite businesses, schools, and individuals to join us. Together, we can transform Wellington into the basketball capital of New Zealand."

If you want to be part of this transformative mission, contact the Wellington Saints. Help lay the foundation—one court at a time—for a brighter, more dynamic future for our youth.

You can catch the full interview here