Tauranga is gearing up to host its inaugural home game for the city's first-ever Men's National Basketball League team at Mercury Baypark tonight.

Spearheaded by the Whai Basketball Club, initiated by three local families, this momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in Tauranga's sporting history.

The founding families behind Whai Basketball Club share a common vision rooted in youth development and community enrichment.

With a heartfelt desire to cultivate an environment of wholesome family entertainment, they aim to provide a platform for creating enduring memories and fostering family bonds that stand the test of time.

Moreover, the club aims to broaden the horizons of local youth by instilling a sense of possibility and ambition.

By showcasing the journey from aspiration to achievement, Whai Basketball Club endeavors to inspire young minds to believe in their potential and actively contribute to a socially connected and vibrant cityscape.

Recognising the absence of a national basketball presence in Tauranga, the founders seized the opportunity to fill this void by establishing a local team and nurturing a fervent fanbase within the community.

They firmly believe that sports, particularly basketball, have the unparalleled ability to bridge divides and unite people from any background or culture under a common passion.

"As a community, we understand the transformative power of sports," says John Miller, co-Founder for Whai Basketball Club.

"It's more than just a game; it's a catalyst for fostering togetherness, igniting passion, and nurturing a sense of belonging irrespective of who we.

"With the launch of our Men's National Basketball League team, we aspire to not only elevate Tauranga's sporting landscape but also cultivate young people who see themselves giving back to our community."

Our first home game will an epic battle as we take on the Hawke's Bay Hawks, a veteran team in the league, but it will also be a full-blown extravaganza with one of NZ best DJ's King Kapisi hyping the crowd, huge giveaways with major sponsor Waitomo Fuel giving away up to $5000 petrol credit, Sal's Pizza giveaways, New Balance giveaways and more!

The Whai Basketball Club invites all of Tauranga and basketball enthusiasts alike to join them in celebrating this historic milestone and rallying behind their hometown team as they embark on their inaugural season in the Men's National Basketball League.

For more information, please visit www.whai.basketball