The New Zealand Breakers and head coach Petteri Koponen have parted ways, bringing an end to his two-season tenure. He departs as the league’s first Ignite Cup champion, leaving a lasting impression and a place in the hearts of NBL fans.
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The decision was made earlier today to mutually separate, with Koponen keen to be closer to his family, something he has openly said is challenging while working on the other side of the world.
Breakers President of Basketball Operations Dillon Boucher had high praise for the Finnish coach.
“Petteri is a young coach on the rise and we support his desire to pursue opportunities closer to home,” he said.
“Professional coaching at this level demands immense sacrifice, especially half a world away from home. We’ve reached a mutual agreement that the time is right for Petteri to pursue his next professional challenge. He departs with his mana higher than ever and will always hold a permanent place within our Breakers whānau.”
Koponen led the Breakers from 2024 to 2026, finishing ninth and seventh during his tenure. Despite mid-season roster changes and injuries creating an uphill battle, he consistently showed professionalism and positivity in the face of adversity.
In a statement, Koponen spoke about his affection for New Zealand and the support he felt during his time with the club.
“My time in New Zealand has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. I fell in love with this country and the incredible community that supports the Breakers,” Koponen said.
“However, after two seasons of intense growth in the NBL, and the immense satisfaction of bringing the Ignite Cup to Auckland, I am ready for a new challenge. I want to thank the Club, the players, and the fans for embracing me. I am proud of the culture we’ve built, and I leave with the highest respect for this club.”
Koponen leaves with a 23-39 record (37.09%) across his two seasons, with his focus now shifting to coaching opportunities in Europe, drawing on the lessons learned in the NBL.
The Breakers have confirmed they will begin a global search for their next head coach.
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