Albany New World has joined the Jadcup Auckland Tuatara as the naming rights partner to the club’s Community program and a newly established Academy.
The Tuatara have spent the past two years running an in-schools program that sees their elite coaches spending at least two days a week teaching life lessons through basketball in Auckland schools.
That will continue into 2026 thanks to Albany New World.
The support of Albany New World has also made a move into the academy space possible.
The Albany New World Tuatara Academy will begin in the final term of 2025 with 25 of the best young basketballers in the city taking part.
It will be led by Jadcup Tuatara assistant coach Sione Maama and supported by the rest of the Tuatara coaching staff.
Albany New World were keen to support the community by assisting with what the Jadcup Auckland Tuatara are doing according to store owner Rama Unka.
“A Legend of the game once said, ‘The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.’
“New World Albany is happy to be able to contribute to the community and young athletes that show passion and commitment to this sport,” he added.
The Jadcup Auckland Tuatara are thrilled to have the support of local supermarket and encourage all of our fans to support the store that is supporting us.
“We are very grateful for the support and belief shown by Rama and his team at Albany New World,” Tuatara GM Dale Budge said.
“To be able to join the dots by providing a genuine pathway from school basketball into the semi-professional game is something we have been keen to do since we started the franchise.
“With the support of Albany New World, this has become possible in 2025.”
The Albany New World Academy will train as a group with the Tuatara coaches and Strength and conditioning staff weekly through term 4, with many players expected to be signed from the group for the 2026 Sal’s NBL and Rapid League seasons.