The 2016 season only had seven teams contest the league after the Manawatu Jets withdrew. McKenzie Moore and Marcel Jones led the Canterbury Rams to the playoffs for the first time since 2003 and the teams first minor premiership since 1993, only to fall short in the semifinals. The Wellington Saints equaled Auckland’s record of nine NBL championships as they defeated the Super City Rangers in Invercargill to claim the 2016 title.
7 teams contested the 2016 season (final standings): Wellington Saints, Supercity Rangers, Canterbury Rams, Southland Sharks, Nelson Giants, Taranaki Mountainairs and Hawke’s Bay Hawks.
Wellington Saints (94) defeated Super City Rangers (82) (Referees: Tim Brown, Dallas Pickering & Melony Wealleans)
Photo: www.photosport.co.nz
In 2017 the Wellington Saints become the most successful team in the competitions history after collecting their 10th NBL championship. They also became the first team to ever complete an unbeaten season, capping off a perfect 20-0 campaign as they defeated the Southland Sharks in the Grand Final.
7 teams contested the 2017 season (final standings): Wellington Saints, Southland Sharks, Super City Rangers, Canterbury Rams, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, Nelson Giants and Taranaki Mountainairs.
Wellington Saints (108) defeated Southland Sharks (75) (Referees: Dallas Pickering, Melony Wealleans & Matt Bathurst)
Photo: www.photosport.co.nz