The bad news is, it is unclear who will suit up for the franchise next season.
The National Basketball League draw was released earlier this week and the Nuggets will open their campaign against the Southland Sharks in Invercargill on April 4.
Nuggets captain Mark Dickel is the only name on the playing roster for 2014. Even coach Alf Arlidge has not yet signed a deal for next year.
However, Basketball Otago general manager Markham Brown said the deal with Oceana Gold meant the organisation was now in a position to follow through on its verbal agreement with Arlidge and on its negotiations with several leading players.
''Basically, we had to make sure we were in a position to sign off on some of them we've been talking to,'' Brown said.
''It gives us that certainty to go ahead and knock that out now.''
Oceana Gold chief development officer Mark Cadzow said the corporation was delighted to remain the major sponsor.
''This will be our fifth year, with each year building on the next,'' he said in a statement.
''Oceana Gold is proud to be part of this rebuilding. The challenge is to continue the drive and commitment to move to the next level in 2014.''
The Nuggets had their most successful season, finishing the regular season in second place and making the playoffs for the first time since 1997.
They won eight consecutive games to start the season and were attracting large crowds to home games. Although they were bundled out in the semifinals by the Nelson Giants, there was a feeling the Nuggets had genuine momentum and were well placed to build on their success.
''I feel maybe we could have got on the ball quicker,'' he said.
''I think straight after the season, within the first month, the coaching line-up should have been organised and the top players should have been re-signed and moved on from there.
''Probably with the way the franchise is, due to money restrictions, we can't do that every year. We have to sit back and line a few things up before we can start moving on those things.
''I feel that we've lost two or three players that we could have signed. I really would not want to name them ... but felt personally they wanted more money or guaranteed court time. I feel as coach you can't guarantee guys any of that.''
Brown anticipated being in a position to make some player announcements early next week but star BJ Anthony is unlikely to be among them. Word is the Adelaide 36ers power forward wants to be based closer to his son, who lives in Auckland.
Anthony was a key contributor last season, averaging 19.4 points and 7.6 rebounds.
''We are talking to BJ,'' Brown said.
''He hasn't inked anything yet. He is probably in that position where he is more marketable guy since he came back and had that strong season with us.
''But all indications from him is that he was definitely interested in receiving offers from us and I guess this deal means we can move forward with that and find out.''
