Proposed League for 2027
A proposal for a privately-owned franchise netball competition, backed by Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams, could launch as early as 2027. The high-profile couple has presented Netball New Zealand (NNZ) with an alternative plan to fast-track the establishment of this elite domestic league. This accelerated timeline comes amidst growing concerns about the future of domestic netball.
The initial proposal envisioned a new competition starting in 2028. However, the revised plan aims to provide a potential solution for the 2027 season, which is currently uncertain due to financial challenges and the absence of a broadcast deal.
The 2027 proposal is understood to be a scaled-back version of the broader ambitions for 2028, potentially resembling the current ANZ Premiership in its initial phase. This would serve as a launch pad for a more extensive competition the following year.
Netball NZ’s Financial Landscape
NNZ chair Alastair Carruthers previously stated that the organisation is facing losses of up to $6 million for the financial year. Of this, $3.7 million is attributed to the costs of running the ANZ Premiership. The lack of a broadcast deal for the upcoming season has prevented NNZ from guaranteeing an elite domestic league in 2027.
The financial situation, coupled with concerns about top players moving overseas, has reportedly prompted Mowbray and Williams to present their expedited proposal. While both parties have signed non-disclosure agreements, the details of the plan remain confidential.
NNZ’s new chief executive, Jennah Wootten, who recently took on the role, acknowledged the need to refresh and modernise the domestic competition. She emphasised the importance of having a league in 2027 and beyond, making it a priority for the organisation.
Wootten also noted that the sport’s potential value is not being fully realised. She highlighted the need to revalue and reposition netball to attract investors and commercial partners, and to ensure the product is appealing to new audiences.
Privatisation and Player Impact
The proposal from Mowbray and Williams offers NNZ a potential solution to offload the financial burden of running the league. However, NNZ is reportedly “nervous” about privatising the league, as it would fundamentally alter its funding and operation.
NNZ confirmed it is exploring various options for the future of the domestic competition, including privatisation, but no decisions have been made. Discussions are ongoing with the New Zealand Netball Players’ Association (NZNPA) and the Zones.
Pippa Moore, head of the NZNPA, indicated that the association is open to considering credible options, including private investment, that could enhance netball’s commercial value. She stressed that any future model must provide a strong domestic competition and meaningful professional opportunities for players.
Mowbray, a successful business figure, and Williams, a former All Black, are also investors in the A-League club Auckland FC. They reportedly aim to bring elements of Auckland FC’s commercial and fan engagement strategies to netball. Williams is said to be actively seeking other private investors and has enlisted prominent figures from New Zealand netball, including former Silver Ferns Anna Stanley and Adine Wilson.
The origins of Mowbray and Williams’ involvement date back to last year, following a research project commissioned by NNZ’s previous management. This project examined options for improving the sustainability of the elite domestic competition, which has largely operated on a year-to-year basis.
The process for a new league was disrupted by leadership changes at NNZ, including the departure of former CEO Jennie Wyllie and the resignation of four board members. The current leadership is now evaluating the path forward, with Wootten stating that the work is progressing at pace.
Wootten emphasised that decisions regarding the domestic competition’s future will have long-term impacts, particularly on the livelihoods of women whose careers depend on the calibre of the league. She highlighted the continued popularity of netball in New Zealand, with over 150,000 registered members and thriving netball centres nationwide.
Source: rnz.co.nz
