Wellington Saints Unveil Exciting 2025 Sal’s NBL Schedule

The Wellington Saints are thrilled to release their 2025 Sal’s NBL schedule, packed with high-energy matchups, fresh competition, and exciting initiatives to bring basketball closer to the wider Wellington community. Among the season highlights is the introduction of a new team, the Indian Panthers, based in South Auckland, who will play out of Bruce Pullman Arena. Their entry into the league adds an extra layer of excitement and fresh competition for fans and players alike.

The Saints will face off against the Panthers for the first time at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua on May 27, one of two home games that will be held in Porirua this season. “Hosting games at Te Rauparaha Arena is a fantastic way for us to engage with fans across the region,” said Saints Operations Manager Paul Sayers. “We want everyone to feel part of the Saints’ journey, and this is a meaningful step toward that.”

This season’s schedule also features a highly anticipated rematch with the Franklin Bulls at home on April 3. Reflecting on last season’s tough playoff loss to the Bulls, Saints GM Jordan Mills expressed the team’s determination: "We can’t wait to battle the Bulls at home on April 3. Last season’s playoff loss to them was a tough one to swallow, and we’re eager to set the record straight in front of our incredible fans."

Another highlight will be the clash against the Auckland Tuatara on May 25 in Auckland, a matchup that carries added significance for Head Coach Aaron Young, who previously coached with the Tuatara. "On May 25, we head to Auckland to face the three-time beaten finalists, the Tuatara. This game is going to be special, as our Head Coach Aaron Young returns to his former coaching ground. It’s bound to be an intense matchup against a formidable team and a passionate crowd," Mills added.

Coach Young is looking forward to a strong start at home against the Taranaki Airs on March 16, kicking off the season in front of the Saints' loyal fanbase. “Starting the season at home is always special,” Young said. “I know the fans will bring their energy, and it’s our job to give them a style of play that reflects Wellington’s toughness and creativity.”

The Saints’ 2025 schedule is as follows:

Home Games:

• March:

  • Sunday 16th – vs Taranaki Airs | Rapid League: 2:00 pm, Sal’s NBL: 3:00 pm
  • Wednesday 26th – vs Southland Sharks | Rapid League: 6:30 pm, Sal’s NBL: 7:30 pm

• April:

  • Thursday 3rd – vs Franklin Bulls | Rapid League: 6:30 pm, Sal’s NBL: 7:30 pm
  • Monday 21st – vs Nelson Giants | Rapid League: 2:00 pm, Sal’s NBL: 3:00 pm (School Holidays and Easter)
  • Sunday 27th – vs Hawke's Bay Hawks | Rapid League: 2:00 pm, Sal’s NBL: 3:00 pm (School Holidays)

• May:

  • Saturday 17th – vs Manawatu Jets | Rapid League: 6:30 pm, Sal’s NBL: 7:30 pm
  • Tuesday 27th – vs Indian Panthers | Rapid League: 6:30 pm, Sal’s NBL: 7:30 pm (at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua)
  • Saturday 31st – vs Otago Nuggets | Rapid League: 3:00 pm, Sal’s NBL: 4:00 pm (at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua)

• June:

  • Saturday 14th – vs Auckland Tuatara | Rapid League: 6:30 pm, Sal’s NBL: 7:30 pm
  • Saturday 21st – vs Whai | Rapid League: 6:30 pm, Sal’s NBL: 7:30 pm

• July:

  • Tuesday 1st – vs Canterbury Rams | Rapid League: 6:30 pm, Sal’s NBL: 7:30 pm (School Holidays)

Away Games:

• March:

  • Thursday 20th – vs Nelson Giants | Rapid League: 6:30 pm, Sal’s NBL: 7:30 pm
  • Sunday 30th – vs Canterbury Rams | Rapid League: 2:00 pm, Sal’s NBL: 3:00 pm

• April:

  • Sunday 6th – vs Manawatu Jets | Rapid League: 2:00 pm, Sal’s NBL: 3:00 pm
  • Thursday 10th – vs Southland Sharks | Rapid League: 6:30 pm, Sal’s NBL: 7:30 pm
  • Saturday 12th – vs Otago Nuggets | Rapid League: 3:00 pm, Sal’s NBL: 4:00 pm

• May:

  • Saturday 3rd – vs Taranaki Airs | Rapid League: 3:00 pm, Sal’s NBL: 4:00 pm
  • Friday 23rd – vs Whai | Rapid League: 6:30 pm, Sal’s NBL: 7:30 pm (Taupo)
  • Sunday 25th – vs Auckland Tuatara | Rapid League: 2:00 pm, Sal’s NBL: 3:00 pm

• June:

  • Wednesday 4th – vs Franklin Bulls | Rapid League: 6:30 pm, Sal’s NBL: 7:30 pm
  • Saturday 28th – vs Hawke's Bay Hawks | Rapid League: 3:00 pm, Sal’s NBL: 4:00 pm

• July:

  • Saturday 5th – vs Indian Panthers | Rapid League: 3:00 pm, Sal’s NBL: 4:00 pm

Finals Series (School Holidays):

• Wednesday, July 9 – Play-In Final 1 at 7:30 pm
• Thursday, July 10 – Play-In Final 2 at 7:30 pm
• Saturday, July 12 – Semi-Final 1 at 7:30 pm
• Sunday, July 13 – Semi-Final 2 at 3:00 pm
• Sunday, July 20 – Grand Final at 3:00 pm

With plenty of exciting matchups and expanded community outreach, the Saints’ 2025 season promises to be packed with thrilling moments for fans across Wellington and beyond. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for more updates on tickets and game-day details. We can’t wait to share this journey with you!