The Manawatu Jets are a New Zealand professional men's basketball team based in Palmerston North. The Jets compete in the National Basketball League (NBL) and play their home games at Central Energy Trust Arena. For sponsorship reasons, they are known as the Property Brokers Manawatu Jets.
Team history The Palmerston North Jets were a foundation member of the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1982. After finishing eighth in the eight-team competition, the Jets were relegated to the second-tiered Conference Basketball League (CBL) in 1983. After finishing as CBL runners-up in 1984, they were promoted back into the NBL in 1985. They finished fifth in both 1985 and 1986, but after finishing tenth in the ten-team competition in 1987, the Jets were relegated to the CBL in 1988. The 1988 season saw the Jets win the CBL championship, which saw them promoted back into the NBL in 1989. The Jets were regular season winners in 1989, but despite being the top seed at the finals weekend, they were defeated 92–84 in the semifinal by the Canterbury Rams. In 1992, the Jets reached the NBL final, where they were defeated 79–71 by the Rams. In 2002, the team became known as the Manawatu Jets.Jets History
In November 2015, the Jets withdrew from the NBL due to reduced funding and an unsustainable business model.Manawatu Jets out of 2016 basketball leagueManawatu Jets Out Of 2016 NBL In April 2017, the Jets lodged their application to Basketball New Zealand to compete in the 2018 NBL season.Manawatu Jets throw their hat in the ring for 2018 Their application was successful, and on 29 August 2017, the Jets were readmitted into the league.NZ NBL AGREE TO THE RETURN OF MANAWATU JETS IN 2018Manawatu Jets cleared for takeoff in National Basketball League
In 2020, the Jets reached the NBL final for the second time in their history, where they lost 79–77 to the Otago Nuggets.
In 2022, the Jets retired the number 12 jersey of Jake McKinlay following his death the previous year.
Players Current roster
| DP = y | I = y | roster_url = https://fibalivestats.dcd.shared.geniussports.com/u/NZN/2785477/bs.html | accessdate = 23 July 2026
Notable past players
/ Ed Book / Willie Burton David Cooper Chris Hagan / Nick Horvath / James Hunter / Marcel Jones / Luke Martin Josh Pace Jeremiah Trueman Mika Vukona
Retired numbers Manawatu Jets retired numbersNoPlayerPositionTenureCeremony date 12 Jake McKinlay SF/PF 2018–2021 23rd July 2022
References
External links Official website Manawatu Jets could return to NBL in 2018