The NZ Breakers, who compete in the Australian National Basketball League, will from now on be known as the Burger King Breakers after signing a naming rights deal with the fast-food restaurant chain.

The Breakers, the ANBL's only New Zealand franchise, announced the deal as it began preparations for the new season, which begins in September.

Breakers general manager Richard Clarke said: "We have taken our time in searching for a new naming rights sponsor and that has been beneficial to both parties. Burger King is a foundation supporter, associated with the Breakers since the club's inception six years ago. Burger King is committed to basketball as a means of encouraging New Zealanders and in particular families to become more active."

The deal is an extension of a six-year partnership between the team and Burger King, which began when the team was founded. Clarke added: "Burger King is committed to basketball as a means of encouraging New Zealanders and in particular families to become more active."

Rachael Allison, Burger King's head of marketing, added: "Basketball is a great family game that many New Zealanders enjoy – we are proud to encourage participation in it and help provide resources, particularly in the current economic climate when some families are not able to afford extracurricular activities."

In addition to naming rights, the Burger King brand will appear on the players' vests. Financial details were not disclosed, but the deal is thought to be worth close to a million dollars over the next three years.