Sam Mennenga Re-Signs with the Breakers

The BNZ Breakers are excited to announce that star forward Mennenga Sam (206-F-2001, college: Davidson) has officially re-signed with the club on a two-year contract, securing the services of one of the league's most dominant modern big men through the Australian BL 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons.

Mennenga, 24, enters the new deal off the back of a career-defining NBL26 season. Despite a mid-season wrist injury, the Tall Black has 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 stunning 32-point masterclass against the Cairns Taipans in February and a pivotal 21-point performance to lead the BNZ Breakers to the inaugural Ignite Cup title.

"Sam has proven himself to be one of the premier big men in this league," said Dillon Boucher, President of Basketball Operations. "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 Sam won the 2025/2026 NBL "Next Generation" award, recognizing him as the best player aged 25 or under for the season. He also won the NBL26 Tangerine Dunk Award.

"Sam is a cornerstone of our Kiwi identity, and keeping him in Auckland was our top priority." said Marc Mitchell, Club Chairman and Owner. “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 BNZ Breaker for years to come.”

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.