The Manawatu Jets are back in the New Zealand National Basketball League and "new league rules await them on their return," according to Niall Anderson of the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. The Jets pulled out of the competition in '15 "due to reduced funding and an unsustainable business model, but their application to return impressed the NBL board, which has given them the green light" for the '18 season. Basketball New Zealand CEO and NBL Chair Iain Potter is confident the Jets "have the requisite finances and support to be a sustainable long-term entity." Jets board member Dave Craig is "thrilled with the NBL's decision." He said that the Jets board overcame "obstacles that, at times, we thought we'd never be able to navigate around." Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith supported the Jets bid and knows there is "plenty of work ahead to ensure the franchise is successful." Smith: "The hard work begins now to confirm sponsors, assemble a competitive team and ultimately gain hometown support, but I'm confident the city and region will rise to the challenge" (NZ HERALD, 8/29).
