Tauihi ’24: What You Need To Know
As we hit T3 (Tauihi Season 3) there are a few things you may or may not be aware of. Here’s the complete rundown every Tauihi fan needs to read ahead of tip-off on October 4.
Has the timing of the Tauihi season moved?
Yes, we’re playing GJ Gardner Homes Tauihi at a new time of the year, from October to December. The season will run for 12 weeks, starting on October 4, with the grand final set for Sunday December 22. The new season window has been set up for broadcast in a clear window for elite sport in New Zealand, meaning our Tauihi stars will be front and centre in the New Zealand sporting landscape.
Have the Tauihi player payments gone up?
Yes. In a major announcement earlier this year, the League made headlines with news that player wages would be more than doubling for T3. In its inaugural season (2021) the Tauihi competition started with pay parity with the Sal’s NBL players, so this year’s move for T3 is significant.
Will we see more international players this year?
Yes. In the first two seasons of Tauihi each team could sign and play three restricted (non-NZ) players, but for T3 that number rises to five. It’s important to note that of the five international players, two players must come from the FIBA Asia region, which includes Australia. The League continues to push opportunities for expansion through Asia in particular, so expect to see more players coming from countries in the region moving forward.
With international player numbers rising does that mean fewer opportunities for Kiwi's?
No. In previous seasons teams were required to sign 10 players to paid agreements, and that delivered 35 agreements in total for New Zealander's. With Rapid League adding an additional 40 per cent playing time each game (80 minutes) the League has added two paid agreements per team, rising the number from 10 to 12. So, with five internationals per team, it means each team will sign at least seven Kiwi players to paid agreements (still a minimum of 35 in total).
Will teams have amateur players again?
Yes, teams can still sign amateur players, especially those building towards a collegiate career in the USA or Canada. In total, every team can sign 18 players, made up of 12 players on paid agreements, and up to six players on amateur or development agreements.
Is Rapid League returning?
You bet it is. Rapid League has quickly become one of the most talked about innovations in NZ sport, and after an inaugural seasons in Tauihi (2023) and the Sal’s NBL (2024), there is a lot of hype for this dynamic world-first initiative that is helping to drive player development in Aotearoa.
Can international players play in Rapid League again?
There have been some changes from 2023. This time around Rapid League can only feature New Zealand qualified players as well as the two FIBA Asia players. This means the remaining three internationals cannot play in Rapid League, which is a departure from the previous rules where any player on the official roster not in the starting lineup was eligible.
Will Tauihi have 6 fouls for players again?
Yes. After a successful start and positive analysis of the move to 6 personal fouls in Tauihi last year, the rule will continue for T3.
Are there any new rules in Tauihi?
There is one key rule change that all fans should be aware of. With the increase to five international players per team, the League has decided that at least one Kiwi must be on the court at all times in Tauihi.
Are there any new rules in Rapid League?
A couple to note. We have already touched on the rule changes for international players, there will also be prize money for teams depending on their final ladder position, and points scored for and against will carry over to the Tauihi ladder for each team. You may remember last year when Rapid League was launched, teams won a point on the Tauihi ladder for a win in Rapid League – that won’t happen any longer, it is now the points for and against that will go to the Tauihi ladder. This is the same rule we saw in the Sal’s NBL this year, meaning every single bucket scored in Rapid and Tauihi counts towards post-season qualification
Will player only timeouts return?
Yes they sure will, in both Rapid League and Tauihi. The player only timeouts were introduced successfully in the first ever Tauihi season, and have also now been used in the Sal’s NBL for two years leading to many exciting end of game and quarter scenarios.
Will every game be on television?
Yes, every Tauihi and Rapid League game will again be broadcast live on Sky in New Zealand, on FIBA You Tube around the world, and this year for the first time our American audience will see every game live on ESPN3.
Will there be any games on Sky TikTok?
Yes, just like we saw during the Sal’s NBL season, there will be one Tauihi game each week that is also broadcast live on Sky Sports TikTok @skysportnz (Sunday’s at 3pm).
