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Pro New Zealand Women’s Basketball League Set For Tip Off
The new professional women’s basketball league Tauihi will take flight on Wednesday, in what is being branded a ‘new era’ for the game.
Tauihi translates as ‘to soar’, and there is most certainly a feeling that the sky will be the limit with strong funding and the opportunity for some of the country’s top players to return home.
For the first time in New Zealand, women will get paid the same as their male counterparts and, according to 1News, the highest-earning players will receive between $13,000 and $16,000 for an eight-week season.
“Having this opportunity to play in front of family and friends in our hometown is huge and to be paid now equal to the men is super important, it’s been a long time coming,” said Jacinta Beckley from the Tokomanawa Queens.
Each of the five teams has three imports along with big names from the national game.
Basketball New Zealand CEO Dillon Boucher said creating the league was a challenge, but a worthwhile one.
“The men have had a lot for a long time, and I think now’s the time for the women to have that equal opportunity,” he said. “Me having three daughters myself, it shows them there is an opportunity if they wanted to take a pathway like that.”
Micaela Cocks is one of those players returning home. She has played nearly 150 games for New Zealand but never in a domestic league.
Having enjoyed a successful career in Australia where she has been a three-time WNBL Champion and finals MVP, the 36-year-old is relishing coming home.
“It provides another opportunity and another decision that athletes can make,” Cocks said.
“I would’ve loved to have played here sooner and not have to of built a life in Australia.”
The new league tips off on Wednesday night when Mainland Pouakai (essentially Canterbury/Nelson) entertain Southern Hoiho (Otago/Southland) at Cowles Stadium in Christchurch and culminates in the finals series at Nelson’s Trafalgar Centre on August 26.
/Stewart Sports news editor
