New Zealand Pro Basketball League Elevates Women’s Pay: A Game-Changing Move
New Zealand’s professional women’s basketball league, Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa, is set to pay its female players more than their male counterparts.
The league’s decision to double player salaries stems from the remarkable success of its initial seasons, enabling them to break away from the previous model tied to the men’s National Basketball League wages.
“This is a pivotal moment for basketball and women’s sports in Aotearoa,” remarked Maree Taylor, the league’s general manager, emphasizing the transformative impact of this move in a recent press release.
The enhanced investment is poised to revolutionize the landscape of women’s professional basketball in New Zealand, with immediate effects and long-term ramifications. According to reports from New Zealand’s Post, players stand to earn up to NZ$3,000 ($1,805) per week, marking a substantial increase in financial rewards.
Moreover, the league has announced a strategic shift in the season schedule, moving it from spring to summer. This strategic adjustment, along with ongoing negotiations to incorporate teams from outside New Zealand, aims to bolster the league’s competitiveness and global appeal.
Megan Compain, the sole New Zealander to have graced the prestigious Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) in North America, lauded these developments as game-changers. “The shift in season timing will enhance Tauihi’s allure to WNBA players, while the potential inclusion of international teams positions it as a global basketball powerhouse,” she stated.
With a significant pay raise for players, the league is poised to surpass many international counterparts, solidifying Tauihi‘s position as a prominent player in the global basketball scene. This groundbreaking move not only elevates the status of women’s basketball in New Zealand but also underscores the league’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and excellence in sports.
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