Netball NZ explores private league model as players eye overseas deals
Netball New Zealand is considering a privately owned franchise league as players increasingly look to sign with Australian competitions.
Netball New Zealand is exploring a private ownership model for its domestic competition, with former All Black Ali Williams and businesswoman Anna Mowbray proposing a fast-tracked franchise league for 2028. The uncertainty around the future of the domestic league is driving players overseas, with more than 15 expected to head to Australia for the 2027 season as the contracting window opens.
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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
1News
Ali Williams, Anna Mowbray in talks with Netball NZ over new league
Netball New Zealand is exploring a private ownership model for the ANZ Premiership, as one of several options being considered as it battles to secure a long-term future.
Stuff
Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray in talks with Netball NZ over new franchise league
The former All Black and businesswoman are behind a push to establish a privately owned franchise league in 2028.
1News
Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams propose fast-tracked new netball league
Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams have put forward a new proposal to Netball NZ to fast-track the establishment of a privately-owned franchise competition.
Otago Daily Times
Netball needs to ‘modernise’ domestic league, new NNZ boss says
Newstalk ZB
Jennah Wootten: New Netball NZ CEO on the future of the ANZ Premiership, struggles impacting the game
Jennah Wootten has officially begun her tenure as CEO of Netball NZ, taking over the role at a crucial time for the sport.
Newstalk ZB
Pippa Moore: NZNPA General Manager on the future of the ANZ Premiership, netball in NZ
The New Zealand Netball Players Association has slammed Netball New Zealand for how slow the process has been over the future of a domestic competition.
Stuff
Netball NZ faces player exodus amid domestic league uncertainty
This week will provide the clearest indication yet of the scale of the talent drain facing Netball NZ, as the contracting window for the Australian competition opens.
1News
Netball NZ faces player exodus amid domestic league uncertainty
According to netball officials, upwards of 15 players are expected to head offshore for the 2027 season.