Colourful consortium means interesting times ahead

Breakers have just taken their biggest shot in franchise history.

For the first time since 2005, the Breakers have undergone an ownership change, with Paul and Liz Blackwell stepping aside as majority owners.

In comes a consortium led by former basketballer Matt Walsh, which includes the likes of NBA champion Shawn Marion, and most bizarrely, the hosts of popular sports podcast Pardon My Take — Dan Katz, Henry Lockwood and noted satirist PFT Commenter.

It’s a seismic shift. The Blackwells were behind-the-scenes owners, rarely seen in the media for their entire ownership reign, but now the Breakers will be thrust into the spotlight.

The profile of the consortium alone has created the most interest in the Breakers in years, and Walsh has big goals to match.

“Our goal is to bring exciting and winning basketball for our fans, to give back to the community, and make the Breakers a sporting ambassador for New Zealand,” Walsh said.

Fans will understandably get excited about that, and the inclusion of Marion. However, Marion is unlikely to be a major factor within the consortium, and it would be wise not to overreact to big names — after all, few would recognise the Blackwells in the street, but under their ownership the Breakers delivered four Australian NBL titles.

The consortium will take on a more commercial approach, which is imperative considering the current Breakers season, which has seen crowds continue to decline to the point where general manager Dillon Boucher fears sustainability.

Walsh, who will move from the United States to Auckland to be the hands-on owner, is confident in finding “a clear path to profitability”.

“I think we’re going to be able to bring some resources in terms of our NBA connections that will help the Breakers, and I also think we have some global sponsorships and commercial know-how that will help on that side as well.”

Their brand might get an overseas boost from Katz, Lockwood and PFT Commenter, the trio who make up the world’s most popular sports podcast, Pardon My Take.

The podcast has a remarkably loyal following, which could be significant for the branding and recognition of the club.

However, the trio are all employed by New York-based Barstool Sports,