KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Breakers today defied tough economic times to announce a sponsorship extension at the Australian National Basketball League club.
Club general manager Richard Clarke said Bartercard New Zealand's extension would include an immediate funding injection plus further investment based on playoff results.
The announcement comes against the background of financial woes at two other clubs in the 10-team league - the Sydney Spirit and the Cairns Taipans.
"At a time when there have been some tough stories about sports clubs in the current economic environment, it's fantastic to have a sponsor such as Bartercard decide to increase their support," Clarke said.
"It's certainly a vote of confidence in the club and we look forward to justifying their faith."
Clarke believed a combination of on-court form - the Breakers are second on the standings - and off-court strategy was the reason the club remained on a healthy footing.
"We haven't gone out to buy a championship," he said.
"We've built things slowly over time and we've built to a pattern. We stuck to our values and sponsors buy into that. When people come in, they stay for a long time."
Clarke said a key element was the relationship between the Breakers and the community and he cited an event yesterday when the club hosted a group of children from Special Olympics programme.
"Sponsors see that and they want to be part of it."
Bartercard chief executive Paul Bolte said the Breakers' motto of the past couple of years of "team is everything" was aligned with the company's own culture.
- NZPA
