NBA star takes over at Breakers

Paul Blackwell promised his wife he wouldn’t shed any tears, and was as good as his word as he handed the majority ownership of the Breakers over to a heavyweight American consortium that brings with it not just strong ties to the NBA, but English football’s Premier League.

Blackwell, will retain a minority holding and a spot on the board at the Auckland-based Australian National Basketball League club.

The Blackwells (Paul and wife Liz), sole owners for 13 years, have been shopping the Breakers for some time now, and stepped up their hunt for new majority owners late last year.

That search reached its denouement at a press conference in Auckland yesterday when a consortium, headed by journeyman professional Matt Walsh, along with business partners Adam Goodman, Romie Chaudhari, Dan Katz and former NBA legend Shawn Marion, were unveiled as the new majority shareholders.

‘‘This really is a happy day,’’ beamed Blackwell. ‘‘We’ve been thinking for years about what the future would look like, and this is exactly what our dreams were. We wanted someone to add value, and to take us forward ... we’re not going away, we’re still having the fun, I just don’t have to do the work.’’

The new owners seem set to add plenty of value. Walsh, a 10-year professional in the European Leagues who played briefly in the NBA for the Miami Heat, heads the group and will take a hands-on role, shifting to Auckland to work alongside General Manager Dillon Boucher in the day-to-day operation of the club.

Chaudhari, a part owner and director of Swansea City, provides direct links with one of the success stories of England football’s mighty Premier League. Walsh is also a minority investor in the Welsh outfit.

Goodman adds strong business acumen and Katz is a successful podcast host in the US. All, says Walsh, bring a passion for basketball and sports ownership and a strong desire to take the Breakers to the next level as one of the powerhouses of the Australian NBL.

Marion’s involvement came as a special bonus, with the 16-year NBA player (Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers), four-time All-Star and champion in 2011 with the Mavs coming on board purely by chance.

Walsh had played with Marion at the Heat in the 2009 pre-season, and had stayed in touch. ‘‘When I spoke with some of the partners his name came up. We thought he’d be the perfect guy to bring in. I met him in New York, told him about it and he said ‘yeah, I’m in’.’’

The new ownership structure kicks in on March 1. Right as the club begins its tilt at a fifth title in the last eight seasons.