In 2018, a new regime was brought about at the Breakers organisation. In February, a consortium headed by former NBA player Matt Walsh became the majority shareholders via a newly formed company called Breakers Basketball Ltd, thus ending the 13-year Liz and Paul Blackwell ownership team. Next came the exodus of four of the franchise's most long-serving figures during the off-season: Alex Pledger and Mika Vukona departed for Melbourne and Brisbane respectively, Kirk Penney retired, and Paul Henare's 15 years as player and coach came to an end. In a total remake of their big man contingent, the Breakers also parted ways with Robert Loe. To coincide with the appointment of new head coach Kevin Braswell, the Breakers reacquired the services of Tai Wesley, a Guam-qualified American on the final year of his status as an unrestricted player. Braswell also lured back Tall Blacks star Corey Webster, and signed Jarrad Weeks and Majok Majok. The Breakers started the season with a 4–8 record following a five-game losing streak in late November and early December. As the season continued, Webster presented as a shadow of the figure who was once a premier scorer in the league, Abercrombie and Ili struggled with scoring, and Patrick Richard failed to live up to expectations. By mid-January, the Breakers had an 8–12 record following three consecutive losses, including losing to the last-placed Cairns Taipans. They went on to miss the finals with a sixth-place finish and a 12–16 record.