Indian Panthers

Team history

In July 2024, the New Zealand NBL was reported to be considering an expansion team from the Indian National Basketball League (INBL). On 30 October 2024, the Indian Panthers were announced as joining the 2025 New Zealand NBL season, with a roster primarily composed of Indian national players. The team based itself in Auckland, which according to the 2023 census had the largest percentage of migrants from India. Although initially believed to be backed by the INBL, The Post later reported that the backing came from Australia-based property entrepreneurs who were not present in Auckland. Ten Indian players were initially named in the squad, including Princepal Singh, but due to a delayed INBL season, delayed visa applications, and an Indian national team camp, the Panthers missed the NBL's pre-season tournament. Two days before their season opener, it was announced the team would start with a mostly New Zealand player roster, including Leon Henry, who reportedly took responsibility for assembling a roster of social players after management threatened to forfeit the first four games. The Panthers lost their inaugural game 112–78 to the Hawke's Bay Hawks in Napier on 12 March 2025. Head coach Miles Pearce stepped down after one game, two days before the team's first home game, and was replaced by interim coach Jonathan Goodman. The team later operated without Goodman, their CEO, and their general manager for a fortnight, as all three were based in Melbourne. American import Alex Robinson left after six games due to non-payment. The team reportedly had no practice facility in Auckland, with impromptu training sessions organised by players; instead, they would assemble at the venue a couple of hours before a game. A mid-season home venue switch from Pulman Arena in Takanini to the Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre in Pukekohe occurred because the club could not afford operational costs at Pulman Arena. With outstanding bills owed to that venue, the club relied on the Franklin Bulls' generosity to stage home games at the Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre.