Celebrating its 10th anniversary in Tauranga, The Classic has grown from humble beginnings in Whanganui, where just 15 teams competed in 2011, into a world-class four-day basketball showcase featuring nearly 2,000 athletes across more than 200 teams.
This year’s competition will see 641 games played across 17 courts at four venues in Tauranga, with most matches taking place at Mercury Baypark Arena, alongside Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, Mount Sports Centre and Haumaru Sports and Recreation Centre.
Co-founders Paul Berridge and KJ Allen say the event’s growth reflects both basketball’s surging popularity and the tournament’s focus on creating opportunities for player development.
“The Classic has always been player-focused – giving young athletes a chance to compete, develop, and connect through the game,” says Berridge.
“It’s a platform that showcases the incredible depth of basketball talent we have here in Aotearoa.”
Selected players from The Classic will also have the opportunity to travel to Melbourne in January for the renowned Eltham Dandenong Junior Basketball Tournament, which attracts more than 16,000 participants.
Berridge says Tauranga as a location has been instrumental in the event’s continued success.
“Tauranga offers a distinct combination of elements that make it the perfect home for the event – great weather, the start of daylight savings, amazing sports venues, and incredible manaakitanga from Tauranga City Council,” he says.
“We want athletes to feel like pros for the weekend, and Council's ongoing support helps us achieve that.”
International players will be welcomed on Thursday with a mihi whakatau delivered by Ngā Pōtiki, alongside a kapa haka performance from Te Wharekura o Mauao.
Tauranga City Councillor Kevin Schuler, who will officially welcome the international players, says The Classic reinforces the city’s growing reputation as a premier sporting destination.
“Hosting large sporting events like this not only brings visitors and economic benefits to Tauranga but also strengthens our reputation as a great host city,” says Cr Schuler.
“It’s incredible to see how The Classic has grown here over the past decade, and the positive impact it has on players, their whānau, and the wider community is something really special. I’m looking forward to an action-packed weekend of sport and encourage locals and everyone visiting to take time to enjoy everything our city has on offer, including the Tauranga Arts Festival in the city centre.”
An Event Evaluation Report from the 2023 tournament found The Classic generated an estimated $1.8 million in visitor expenditure, with more than 4,000 visitors, including 100 international guests, contributing approximately 15,000 visitor nights.
The Tauranga Classic is proudly supported by Tauranga City Council’s Major Event Fund.
Event details:
The Classic takes place from 24–27 October, with games free for spectators and keen basketball fans to attend. For event information, visit What’s On Tauranga.