Despite the terms of the deal not being disclosed, a statement from the nation's governing body for softball has said it is "the largest ever financial sponsorship for the sport", with reports in New Zealand indicating a fee in the six-figure region, plus an annual sum.

The partnership allows Golden Homes to assume naming rights for the men's national team, current defending world champions, with support indicated for softball at the grassroots level across New Zealand.

"Golden Homes are extremely honoured to partner Softball New Zealand and the world champion Black Sox team," said Shane Helms, chief executive of Golden Homes.

"Golden Homes is grateful for the opportunity to team up with an internationally successful team and a proud national sporting body."

New Zealand's men's national softball team are the most successful in World Championship history, having secured six titles since its inauguration in 1966.

Softball New Zealand recently secured the hosting rights to the Oceania Qualifier in December, with the tournament scheduled to be held at Rosedale Park, Albany.

The event will run as a qualifier for the 2015 Men's Softball World Championships being held in Saskatoon, Canada.

New Zealand are the most dominant men's softball team in the world having won the Softball World Championships six times, including victory in last year's tournament in Auckland ©Getty Images



Following the announcement, Softball New Zealand chief executive Tony Giles, said: "The Golden Homes partnership is a major shift in thinking for softball in New Zealand.

"This strategic partnership with a corporate sponsor is an unprecedented opportunity to promote not only the Black Sox nationally and internationally, but the game of softball throughout New Zealand.

"The Golden Homes support will allow the New Zealand Black Sox to compete internationally more often and ensure we continue to produce world champion teams.

"Over time this partnership will also allow Softball New Zealand to better support programmes and other initiatives from grassroots level through to high performance."

The support of Golden Homes comes after the signing last week of Cityfitness as a partner for the sport, with further sponsorship expected in the coming months.

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