Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) is excited to be joining forces with TAB NZ for its upcoming Tall Blacks game in New Zealand, with the ultimate goal of delivering a new level of fan engagement for Kiwi basketball fans.
TAB will be the official Game Day Partner when the Tall Blacks take on Lebanon in Wellington on Monday 27 February, in a FIBA World Cup Qualifier (WCQ) game at TSB Arena.
This event will include a range of new initiatives, including the introduction of an interactive big screen and a competition that unlocks a crowd reward if the Tall Blacks hit 10 three pointers by end of game. TAB is also funding a special fan experience for 100 people to attend the Wellington game from the Porirua and Hutt communities, complete with transport, food and Tall Blacks team gear.
BBNZ Chief Executive Dillon Boucher says the partnership with TAB will help to elevate the overall fan experience for everyone who attends these games.
“Both of our Tall Blacks games are significant in that they’re the last FIBA games played in New Zealand, before the squad heads to the FIBA World Cup in August,” says Boucher.
“Fans enjoy watching the Tall Blacks and the passion and pride they play with, and our players love being on home soil in front of a friendly crowd – I remember it was a huge deal for me when I wore the black singlet in my playing days. We want people to not just enjoy the basketball game, but also the atmosphere and entertainment of being live at a Tall Blacks game – TAB will help us achieve this at a high level.”
Boucher says that the partnership with TAB is an extension of the support they continue to provide to BBNZ and other national sporting bodies in New Zealand.
“TAB is a valued supporter of BBNZ and basketball in New Zealand, particularly at grassroots level. We are very appreciative of their support.”
TAB NZ Chief Marketing and Customer Officer Jodi Williams says the partnership with BBNZ is a natural fit with basketball being such a popular sport for TAB customers,” says Williams.
“We distributed $3 million to BBNZ last year thanks to Kiwi punters betting on basketball from around the globe.
“We’re thrilled to help enhance the in-game experience, as well as providing 100 basketball fans with an opportunity to take in the excitement of an international basketball game.
“TAB NZ contributed more than $12 million to national sporting organisations last year, and we love that this partnership is a tangible example of making a difference for sports fans.”
The Tall Blacks play two games in New Zealand later this month, facing Saudi Arabia at Christchurch Arena on Friday 24 February, followed by a clash with rivals Lebanon at Wellington’s TSB Arena on Monday 27 February. Tickets are available at bbnz.cloud/tickets
Following this, the Tall Blacks head to Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines in August, as one of 32 teams locked into the FIBA World Cup – basketball’s pinnacle sporting event.
About TAB
TAB New Zealand (TAB NZ) is a statutory body established through the Racing Industry Act 2020 which provides betting services to New Zealanders and makes returns back to New Zealand racing and sporting organisations.
When you bet with TAB on racing, take a punt on the All Blacks, the White Ferns or European football, every betting dollar contributes to grassroots racing and sports in New Zealand as well as the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Kiwis involved in these sectors. Each year, around $200 million is returned to New Zealand racing and sports.
With about 500 sites around New Zealand, and a digital presence through tab.co.nz and the TAB Mobile app, TAB is deeply ingrained in New Zealand’s modern culture. We work closely with our global partners such as NEP and OpenBet to deliver a world-class customer experience.
Tall Blacks World Cup Qualifier Games, New Zealand
- Tall Blacks vs Saudi Arabia, Christchurch Arena – Friday 24 February
- Tall Blacks vs Lebanon, TSB Arena Wellington – Monday 27 February
- Tickets at bbnz.cloud/tickets
