About The Canterbury Rams

Being one of the foundational franchises in the NZNBL, the Rams possess a rich history since their inception in 1982, winning a total of 6 championships and raising the profile of basketball throughout Canterbury. 

Following the Christchurch Earthquakes, the Rams temporarily withdrew from the League. The iconic Cantabrian brand was then revitalised following a three-year hiatus, with the Rams name being kindly made available by Leslie Watson, wife of former Rams Owner and Coach John Watson who passed away suddenly in 2012.  

The Canterbury Rams were revived in 2014 by a group of basketball enthusiasts with a combination of business and basketball acumen and a commitment to establishing a long-term, successful franchise in the region. The team was also brought back with the intention of playing a significant role in increasing participation in community basketball, provide an aspirational development pathway for talented Canterbury youngsters, and to contribute towards community re-development in Christchurch.

The objectives of the Canterbury Rams are philanthropic in nature, which is reflected in the fact that the sole beneficiary (limited partner) of the Canterbury Rams is a charitable trust established for the benefit of growing basketball and community development. The vision for the Canterbury Rams is:

1. For the Rams to contribute significantly to the growth of basketball throughout the region with a high performing and well run team, greatly enhancing the profile and popularity of basketball.
2. For Rams players and coaches to directly benefit junior talent through the region. Young players throughout the region will receive coaching from high quality coaches and their heroes, inspiring them to work towards their goals. The support the Rams receive through physiotherapy, podiatry, strength & conditioning, nutrition and sport psychology will also be provided for our young up-and-coming juniors in the region. The Rams will provide a pathway, exposure, and access for a significantly greater number of Canterbury players, allowing them to play successfully at higher levels.
3. For the Rams to facilitate and provide development opportunities and a pathway for coaches throughout the region. This is to be achieved by supporting regular group coaching clinics and mentoring opportunities for coaches in Canterbury. Coaches will get access to the latest coaching methodology — and through a common goal of developing basketball players — Canterbury’s coaching network will continue to grow.
4. For the Rams to assist in providing a development pathway for young talented players who currently struggle to participate due to the extensive financial commitment required through the establishment of a Rams ‘scholarship’ system for promising players that puts a mentoring and financial support structure around them as required.
5. For the Rams to make a major contribution to not only the basketball community but also to the Christchurch re-build through bringing an outstanding entertainment option to the city and contributing to the development of best practice basketball and community programmes.