A Milestone Season Clouded by Financial Strain

As the ANZ Premiership enters its 10th season, Netball NZ faces a funding crisis, broadcast uncertainty, and player pay cuts. Explore the challenges and potential new models.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 10, 2026, 5:35 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The Collapse of the Traditional Broadcast Model

The league's current predicament is rooted in the end of its 18-year partnership with Sky Sport. After failing to secure a long-term lucrative deal at the end of 2023, Netball NZ signed a significantly reduced one-year contract with Sky for 2025, which ultimately marked the end of their major partnership. While moving to free-to-air via TVNZ has increased accessibility, the loss of high-value rights fees has left a massive hole in the budget. Furthermore, Sport New Zealand, which previously helped cover production costs for "self-produced" games, has confirmed it will not provide any production funding for the 2026 season.

Franchise Instability and the Search for New Investment

The current ownership model is also under intense scrutiny. Currently, three of the six franchises—the Stars, Mainland Tactix, and Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic—are under the direct administration of Netball New Zealand due to their inability to stand alone financially. Officials are now exploring alternative structures, including private ownership models similar to the UK’s Netball Super League (NSL) or New Zealand’s own Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa. The recent entry of high-profile investors like Dame Lisa Carrington into women’s basketball has set a precedent that netball officials are keen to replicate to take the pressure off the national body's ecosystem.

The Australian Influence and Talent Drain

The "talent drain" to Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) continues to reshape the domestic landscape. The SSN has evolved into the world's strongest league, offering salaries that are at least double what New Zealand-based players currently earn. While there have been calls to re-establish a trans-Tasman competition or secure a New Zealand license in the SSN for 2027, Netball NZ is currently focusing its limited resources on strengthening the ANZ Premiership. However, a relaxed import rule has allowed some international talent, such as South Africa's Ine-Mari Venter, to enter the NZ league to offset the loss of departing Silver Ferns.