In December 2021, a new women's national basketball league was established for 2022 with five new franchises.

[1][2] The league's name Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa was announced in March 2022, with Tauihi meaning "to soar" and Aotearoa meaning New Zealand in Māori language.

[3] The inaugural teams included Northern Kāhu, Mid-North Whai, Tokomanawa Queens, Mainland Pouākai, and Southern Hoiho.

[7][8][9] All five inaugural franchises continued for the league's second season in 2023.

[13][14][15][16] In April 2024, the league announced a new season window of October to December and that international expansion was being explored.