Netball New Zealand abandons private league deal
Netball New Zealand Abandons Private League Deal with Mowbray and Williams
“We are devastated. Ali and I gave this everything. Our time, our money and our hearts,” investors Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams said after Netball New Zealand pulled the pin on a proposed privately run domestic league, 1News reported. The governing body’s decision to walk away from the 2027 proposal leaves the elite domestic competition without a clear structure and throws the sport back into uncertainty.
The collapse comes just eight weeks after Netball New Zealand signed a non-binding term sheet with Mowbray and Williams. The private franchise league was fast-tracked from a 2028 target to launch a minimum five-team competition in 2027. Negotiations ultimately broke down at a Netball New Zealand board meeting, resulting in an email to the investors that brought the discussions to an abrupt halt without a phone call or explanation.
Players Facing Mental Health Strains and Overseas Departures
Pippa Moore, head of the New Zealand Netball Players Association, stated that the organization has seen a significant increase in athletes seeking mental health and financial support following the collapse. Moore told the NZ Herald that players had put their lives on hold while waiting for clarity on the domestic setup. The dramatic turn of events compounds an already difficult situation, coming on the heels of the ANZ Premiership posting a loss of $3.7 million for the 2026 season, as detailed by RNZ.
A wave of top-tier talent has already left the domestic ecosystem. Star shooter Grace Nweke signed with the Sydney Sirens, while the Heffernan twins, Kate and Georgia, joined the Adelaide Thunderbirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning respectively. Five other New Zealand players secured contracts in England’s Netball Super League, and experienced defender Kate Burley chose retirement amid the prolonged lack of clarity regarding a domestic competition.
Netball New Zealand Faces Projected Losses of $6 Million
Netball New Zealand board chair Alastair Carruthers revealed earlier in the year that the national body was facing financial pressures with projected losses reaching up to $6 million, driven largely by the operational costs of the ANZ Premiership. While the governing body intended to retain control of the Silver Ferns, national selection, and pathways, the partnership with Mowbray and Williams was meant to introduce vital private capital.
In its official statement reported across multiple outlets, Netball New Zealand maintained that despite considerable efforts, an agreement to license the privatisation of the elite domestic competition could not be reached, adding that communications between the parties remain confidential. Chief executive Jennah Wootten noted that while recent challenges have been severe, the organisation would communicate further with players and support staff as soon as possible.
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