Netball NZ adjusts eligibility rules
Netball New Zealand has removed restrictions that previously prevented Silver Ferns and other top players from signing overseas contracts. This decision comes amidst increasing concerns regarding the future of the ANZ Premiership, the country’s elite domestic netball competition. The national body confirmed that athletes can now pursue international opportunities without needing dispensation from Netball NZ.
The change is seen by some as a sign of uncertainty about whether an elite domestic competition will exist next year. Netball NZ is forecasting significant financial losses this year, and the organisation is unable to guarantee employment for players in the upcoming season. The board stated the decision was a “pragmatic” move to allow players to seek contracts in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Alastair Carruthers, Netball NZ board chair, indicated that the ANZ Premiership operated at a deficit of $3.7 million this season. He noted that while the current balance sheet could support this loss, it would deplete savings quickly without a sustainable model. The total deficit for the year is expected to be in the realm of $6m. The absence of a broadcast deal for the next season further threatens the competition’s future.
The contracting window for international teams is currently open. Carruthers mentioned that the decision was made following discussions with the New Zealand Netball Players Association, allowing players to secure opportunities elsewhere and continue their aspirations to play for the Silver Ferns.
Impact on domestic netball
Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua reportedly supports the rule adjustment, which could lead to more top players joining the Suncorp Super Netball league in Australia. This season, six players received exemptions to play in Australia, with five of them – Karin Burger, Grace Nweke, Kate Heffernan, Kelly Jackson, and Maddy Gordon – included in the Ferns squad for the Commonwealth Games.
However, some franchises are concerned that this decision might further diminish the talent pool within New Zealand. Sonya Fleming, chief executive of Southern Steel, expressed disappointment, acknowledging the potential impact on her franchise during a critical period for the sport. She emphasised the importance of retaining Silver Ferns players in domestic netball to showcase the sport and inspire future generations.
Fleming also recognised the uncertain environment and the players’ need to secure their careers. Franchises also fear that the rule change could hinder efforts to attract the broadcast and commercial investments necessary to maintain a semi-professional competition. Netball NZ now faces the challenge of marketing a product potentially without some of its most prominent stars.
The relaxation of eligibility rules was previously resisted by Netball NZ. The criteria were revisited last year after Grace Nweke, a notable shooting talent, signed with the NSW Swifts for the 2025 season. An exemption process was then introduced to offer more flexibility for players seeking overseas opportunities, leading to eight more current or former Silver Ferns joining the Australian competition in 2026.
Audience growth and community engagement
Despite the absence of some key players from the domestic league this year, official viewership data from TVNZ indicates a significant increase in audience numbers due to the shift to free-to-air television. The grand final between the Northern Mystics and Southern Steel last month attracted over 120,000 viewers, making it the most-watched grand final since the league’s inception.
Overall, the ANZ Premiership garnered 1.05 million unique television viewers, marking a 16 percent increase compared to the previous season. This growth in viewership is mirrored by strong participation figures. Ann Hay, chief executive of Netball Central, which oversees the Pulse franchise, reported a seven percent rise in player registrations across the region this year.
Netball remains the most popular participation sport at the secondary school level in New Zealand. Hay believes these numbers demonstrate a substantial market for netball, suggesting the sport needs to improve its communication about its successes to potential commercial partners and the public. She stressed the importance of the netball community working together to preserve the elite domestic competition.
The drama surrounding the future of the ANZ Premiership continues to intensify, with discussions on potential scenarios if the competition is forced to take a year off. The Commonwealth Games commenced on Friday.
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Source: rnz.co.nz
