BREAKING: New Zealand make Free Agency statement

The New Zealand Breakers have made a huge statement heading into the NBL26 off-season by re-signing star big man Sam Mennenga on a two-year deal.

Mennenga, 24, enters the new deal off the back of a career-defining NBL26 season, which saw him take out the 2025-26 NBL Next Generation award.

Despite a mid-season wrist injury, the Tall Blacks international established himself as an elite frontcourt force, averaging a career-high 17.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.

His season was highlighted by a 32-point performance against the Cairns Taipans in February and a pivotal 21-point showing to lead the Breakers to the inaugural Ignite Cup title.

"Sam has proven himself to be one of the premier big men in this league," said Breakers President of Basketball Operations Dillon Boucher.

"His growth over the last 12 months, from his time with the LA Lakers in NBA Summer League to becoming a focal point of our offence, has been remarkable."

Mennenga joins Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Reuben Te Rangi, Izayah Le’Afa, Max Darling (club option) and Taylor Britt (club option) under contract for the Breakers next season.

"Sam is a cornerstone of our Kiwi identity, and keeping him in Auckland was our top priority," said Breakers Chairman and Owner, Marc Mitchell.

“We are thrilled to keep local talent of Sam’s calibre playing for New Zealand’s team and are excited that he will be a Breaker for years to come.”

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The re-signing comes as Mennenga continues to shine on the international stage, recently recording a 10-point, 14-rebound double-double for the Tall Blacks in their victory over the Philippines.

Boucher noted that the signature of Mennenga, who is currently playing with the Chinese side Xinjiang Flying Tigers, is a key piece of the roster puzzle for the upcoming season.