Former All Black Ali Williams and businesswoman Anna Mowbray are leading a private investment bid to establish a new franchise netball league in New Zealand by 2028, according to Radio New Zealand (RNZ). The proposal emerges as Netball New Zealand confronts mounting financial pressure, including a $3.7 million operating deficit from the past season and potential losses reaching up to $6 million for the financial year.
Private Investment Bid Target and Leadership
According to RNZ reporting, Williams and Mowbray are driving the project to expand their sports investment portfolio. The couple previously secured a 15 percent stake in A-League club Auckland FC, which won the A-League title in its second year. Williams, a 77-test All Black, has worked behind the scenes to sound out potential private investors and sports franchise figures. He has also enlisted prominent New Zealand netball figures, including former Silver Ferns Anna Stanley and Adine Wilson, to help bring investors to the table, as reported by RNZ.
Negotiations involve non-disclosure agreements while both parties conduct due diligence. According to RNZ sources, the proposed model would operate independently of Netball New Zealand, with private owners assuming responsibility for commercial and operational arrangements. Despite the recent financial deficits, Williams is described by sources as bullish about attracting private partners, commercial sponsors, and broadcasters.
Financial Strain and the 2027 Bridging Year
Netball New Zealand faces significant fiscal challenges that threaten the immediate future of the domestic game. According to RNZ, the national body lacks a broadcast deal for 2027 and has not yet committed to running a competition next season. Board chair Alastair Carruthers acknowledged that the organization sustained a $3.7 million deficit from the ANZ Premiership last season, telling Breakfast it was difficult to sustain such losses.
With a privately-backed competition targeting a 2028 launch, domestic players face uncertainty regarding professional contracts for the upcoming year. To mitigate this disruption, Netball New Zealand scrapped final restrictions that previously required athletes to secure dispensations before signing with clubs in Australia and the United Kingdom, according to RNZ. High-profile insiders indicate that Netball New Zealand may treat the upcoming season as a bridging year, with options under consideration ranging from pausing the ANZ Premiership entirely to reverting to an amateur competition.
Origins of the Privatization Model
The push for private ownership is not a recent development. According to RNZ, the initiative originated last year following a research project commissioned by the previous board under former chief executive Jennie Wyllie. Former cricket and hockey administrator Anthony Crummy originally examined league structures and team licensing arrangements. Australian sports industry expert and former NRL chief executive Shane Mattiske later refined the work as a consultant specializing in commercialization, sponsorship, and media rights.
Leadership changes at Netball New Zealand, including Wyllie’s departure and four board resignations following an employment dispute with Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua, delayed the process. The current board and executive team inherited the framework, with new chief executive Jennah Wootten stepping into the role.
Stakeholder and Player Association Stance
Netball New Zealand did not directly address inquiries regarding private investor talks, issuing a statement to RNZ stating it is exploring multiple options for 2027 and beyond through confidential discussions with the New Zealand Netball Players’ Association (NZNPA) and regional zones. Carruthers previously stated that while private investment is not an immediate possibility for 2027, all forms of league investment must be evaluated.
Pippa Moore, head of the NZNPA, confirmed the player body’s willingness to consider structural shifts. According to RNZ, Moore stated that the organization remains open to credible options, including private investment, provided the model secures a strong domestic competition, professional opportunities, and clear pathways for future players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the bid for the 2028 netball league?
According to RNZ, former All Black Ali Williams and businesswoman Anna Mowbray are leading the private investment bid.
Why is Netball New Zealand considering private ownership?
The organization faces severe financial strain, including a $3.7 million operating deficit from the ANZ Premiership last season and projected losses of up to $6 million, alongside the absence of a 2027 broadcast deal.
What is the proposed timeline for the new league?
According to RNZ sources, the privately-backed franchise proposal targets a launch in 2028.
How are players affected by the transition?
With the 2027 domestic competition uncertain, Netball New Zealand removed restrictions preventing Silver Ferns and leading players from signing with overseas clubs in Australia and the UK without a dispensation.
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