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, who retains a minority holding and spot on the board at the Auckland-based Australian NBL club, described the ownership change as ‘‘an answer to our prayers’’.

The Blackwells (Paul and wife Liz), sole owners for 13 years, have been shopping the Breakers for some time 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, was unveiled as the new majority shareholders.

Walsh, a 10-year pro in the European Leagues who played briefly in the NBA for the Miami Heat, will shift 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.

The new ownership structure kicks in on March 1.