The NZ National Basketball League (NBL) have expelled the Super City Rangers franchise from the competition, after several rule infractions.
A league review found the Auckland-based franchise breached rules under the participation agreement, with the biggest red flag being the team's financial situation.
The Rangers had outstanding debts owed to the league, including the full annual fees for the recently completed 2019 season.
NBL general manager Justin Nelson said the team's financial state was the main catalyst for their termination, despite having one year remaining on its participation agreement.
"The review into the Super City Rangers has been thorough," said Nelson. "The review uncovered a number of breaches that have led to this termination, not least of which is a large debt owed to the league.
"Unfortunately, the Rangers have missed every deadline issued for payments owed to the league and have made no proactive moves to settle this debt.
"We are aware of other debts, but these are up to the Rangers to deal with and we hope they will.
"Non-payment of fees is a material breach and has led to the termination. However, we were equally concerned about the franchise not performing to the level expected to participate in the league.
"This extends to performance both on and off the court."
Last month, the Rangers' three import players - Venky Jois, Nnanna Egwu and Tim Quarterman - all left over pay disputes, with two games remaining in the season.
The NBL will now consist of nine teams for the 2020 season, with the possibility of a 10-team league in 2021, if the Franklin Bulls from South Auckland meet the guidelines set.
The Otago Nuggets have been granted provisional entry for 2020, pending some final hurdles, which the league hopes will be finalised this week. If not, the Nuggets will build towards a 2021 entry.
Nelson is hopeful of a second Auckland team in the near future.
"Ideally, we want two teams in Auckland," he said. "We want a rivalry and to have games played there weekly.
"For whatever reason, the Rangers have not captured the support of the Auckland market and we need to take stock of that.
"We know the Auckland community loves the game, they are playing it in record numbers.
"A number of possible owners and opportunities have contacted the league in recent weeks, so we'll set up some meetings and see where it takes us. There is a genuine feeling of growth and excitement in the NBL, and I have no doubt Auckland will be back amongst it all in the very near future."
The Waitakere Rangers previously competed in the NBL between 1990-95, before an 18-year absence saw them return as a consolidated Auckland franchise in 2013.
Newshub.
