While the Harbour Heat returned for the 2012 season, the Waikato Pistons dropped out of the league.
It marked the first time the league had no Waikato presence since 1983.
[1] The final Four weekend was held in Wellington, with the semifinals on Saturday 26 May, followed by the championship game on Sunday 27 May.
In the final, the Auckland Pirates were victorious over the two-time defending champion Wellington Saints.
Stats as of the end of the regular season[5]