To put the field in perspective, the only other ATP event to be played in the same week will have just one top-20 player.
It's not often that New Zealand can overshadow Australia in tennis terms but while Auckland fans look forward to the likes of David Ferrer, Ernests Gulbis, Gael Monfils and John Isner, the top seed at the Sydney tournament will be Italian journeyman Fabio Fognini.
The strength of the Auckland field - Fognini would be just the eighth seed here - has also dissuaded some regular visitors from signing this time.
"For example, [two time finalist] Philipp Kohlschreiber - who has been coming here forever and done well - decided to go to Sydney," said Budge. "It's a shame but also a tribute to the strength of the field this time."
Budge says the key to the recruitment success was identifying targets "earlier than ever". He made early plays for big guns like Andy Murray, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Rafael Nadal and Stanislas Wawrinka and once they were ruled out (most of the top 10 play exhibitions) focused on locking in the rest of the top 20. The loyalty of someone like Ferrer is also a big factor and can't be underestimated.
"[David] can take a lot of credit [for this field]," said Budge. "It sends a message that this is a top tournament and a great place to prepare for Grand Slams."
Roberto Bautista Agut was the latest top name added yesterday. The Spaniard, ranked No15 in the world, was judged the most improved player on the ATP tour in 2014, as he took two titles and progressed into the second week at the Australian and US Opens. Colombian Santiago Giraldo (No32) - who reached four semifinals this year - rounds out the seeded players, adding to Ferrer (10), Gulbis (13), Kevin Anderson (16), Tommy Robredo (17), Monfils (18) and Isner (19).
Next year's event will also feature a crop of promising talent including Jack Sock, Joao Souza and Dominic Thiem. American Sock justified his wildcard here in 2014 when he bundled out Tommy Haas in the second round. Souza was one of the fastest risers on the tour this year while the 21-year-old Thiem is the youngest player in the top 50.
Wildcards for the tournament will be played for at the New Zealand Championships. Michael Venus, Artem Sitak, Marcus Daniell and Rubin Statham will be among frontrunners for the prized ticket to the Heineken Open awarded to the winner of the men's singles.
Others to watch
• Tommy Robredo (Spain), world No17
• Kevin Anderson (South Africa), 16
• Santiago Giraldo (Colombia), 32
• Dominic Thiem (Austria), 39
5 Star names
David Ferrer (world ranking: 10)
Has been at the centre of many memorable Heineken Open moments across a decade. The Spanish terrier will be seeking a record fifth Auckland title after wins in 2007, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Ernests Gulbis (13)
One of the fiercest players on the circuit, the Latvian has six ATP titles to his name. Beat Roger Federer en route to French Open semis this year. Sure to be a crowd favourite at his first outing here.
Roberto Bautista Agut (15)
Judged most improved player on the ATP tour in 2014, the 26-year-old is to the forefront of the new Spanish wave. In last four in 2014.
Gael Monfils (18)
An incredible showman with all the skills, the Frenchman finds shots and angles that most could only dream about. Reached Heineken Open semifinals in 2013.
John Isner (19)
Defending champion - and one of three former winners in the field - the 2.08m American is almost unstoppable if his serving is on song.
