Basketball New Zealand and CoachMate Renew Partnership to Support One of New Zealand’s Fastest Growing Sports
Auckland – Basketball New Zealand has re-signed with CoachMate, the sports education platform that transforms volunteer-led coaching and team management into insightful, easy, and fun experiences.
The renewed partnership marks an exciting next step for both organisations as they continue working together to support coaches, volunteers, clubs, associations, schools, and communities across Aotearoa with practical digital tools and quality coaching resources.
A partnership focused on supporting the people who grow the game
Basketball continues to experience significant growth across New Zealand. Participation has been experiencing steady growth since 2000, with over 60,000 registered participants in 2026. Basketball is now widely recognised as one of the country’s fastest-growing sports.
The game’s growth is particularly evident in schools and communities, with more than 29,000 secondary school students participating in basketball nationally in 2025 - making it one of New Zealand’s largest secondary school participation sports.
As participation continues to rise, so too does the importance of supporting the people delivering the game every week across the country. Around 70% of tamariki drop out of organised sport by age 13. With negative coaching experience often a key contributor. In basketball, there is also a perception that coaching requires prior playing experience or deep technical knowledge, which can be a barrier for many willing volunteers.
Through CoachMate, Basketball New Zealand is helping make it easier for coaches and volunteers to plan, prepare, and deliver engaging basketball experiences with confidence. The platform provides easy access to structured activities, practice plans, team management tools, and learning content designed to support the people who create positive experiences for players and communities alike.
The re-signing reflects a shared commitment between Basketball New Zealand and CoachMate to continue strengthening grassroots basketball by giving coaches and volunteers the tools they need to feel prepared, supported, and connected.
Helping coaches deliver fun, quality basketball experiences
At the heart of the partnership is a simple goal: to make coaching easier.
CoachMate supports basketball coaches with practical, easy-to-follow content that can be used on court, at training, and throughout the season. Whether someone is coaching for the first time or supporting a team every week, the platform helps reduce preparation time and gives coaches confidence in what they are delivering.
By combining Basketball New Zealand’s expertise and understanding of the game with CoachMate’s digital platform and user-friendly experience, the partnership helps bring coaching content to life in a way that is accessible, practical, and built for busy volunteers.
Belinda Edwards, CEO, Basketball New Zealand, said:
We continue to see strong participation growth in basketball, and with that comes an increased need to support the people at the heart of the game. Parents, guardians, whānau, teachers, and volunteers are stepping up to coach across the motu, and we need to make that job easier for them. We know that poor coaching experiences can turn people away from the sport, so creating positive, supportive environments is critical. Through our partnership with CoachMate, we’re able to provide simple, accessible tools that help coaches feel confident and deliver great experiences for their players.”
Michelle Walshe, CEO and Co-Founder, CoachMate, said:
“Basketball is experiencing incredible growth across New Zealand and that creates a real opportunity - but also a responsibility - to support the people delivering the game every day.
Coaches and volunteers are at the heart of great participant experiences, and we’re proud to continue working alongside Basketball New Zealand to help make coaching simpler, more engaging, and more accessible for communities across Aotearoa.
Basketball New Zealand has a strong vision for the future of the game, and we’re excited to continue building alongside them to support the people and communities helping basketball thrive.”
Looking ahead
The renewed agreement will see Basketball New Zealand and CoachMate continue working together to support community coaching across the country, helping coaches and volunteers access the tools, resources, and learning they need to deliver quality basketball experiences.
Together, Basketball New Zealand and CoachMate are focused on making coaching easier, supporting stronger communities, and helping more people enjoy positive basketball experiences across Aotearoa.
