Elite netball players may be forced to move overseas or retire if Netball New Zealand fails to secure the future of the ANZ Premiership. Silver Fern Amelia Walmsley warned that the lack of a broadcast deal beyond 2026 and ongoing financial uncertainty makes it difficult for athletes to sustain professional careers domestically.
Why is the future of the ANZ Premiership in doubt?
Netball New Zealand has not provided updates or guarantees regarding the survival of the domestic competition for the upcoming season. According to reports from Morning Report, the league currently lacks a broadcast deal in place beyond 2026.
This marks the third consecutive year that players have entered the ANZ Premiership without knowing if the league will exist in the following year. The uncertainty has created a precarious environment for athletes attempting to plan their professional lives.
How will the lack of stability affect Silver Fern players?
Silver Fern Amelia Walmsley told Morning Report that players are currently unable to be treated or paid like professionals despite their training and sacrifice. She noted that if the situation does not improve, players will be forced to seek opportunities abroad or leave the sport entirely because they cannot afford to keep playing.
Walmsley, who played for the Stars in 2026, highlighted the direct impact on personal finances. She mentioned the difficulty of managing a mortgage while facing potential pay cuts, which are expected to be more significant than the cuts players received last year.
“These are people’s careers, these are people’s lives, these are decisions that impact whether players can stay in the sport they love or not,” Walmsley said.
The instability also threatens the performance levels of national players. Walmsley, who is preparing for the Commonwealth Games, expressed concern that she may have to explore overseas opportunities earlier than planned to ensure she is in the best position to compete for World Cup selection.
What are players saying about the quality of the sport?
Walmsley argued that the issue is not the quality of the netball itself. She described the ANZ Premiership as a fast, highly competitive product with strong rivalries between its six teams and passionate fans who regularly sell out stadiums.
“It shouldn’t be this bad for a game with so much participation, so much history, so much support around the country, it just doesn’t make sense,” Walmsley said.
She also contrasted the uncertainty in netball with the stability seen in other major New Zealand sports, stating that players would not be having these specific conversations with All Blacks.
How can the netball community respond to the crisis?
Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, a teammate of Walmsley at both the Silver Ferns and the Stars, has called for a collective effort to save the sport. In a clip circulating on social media, Reuelu-Buchanan urged the community to use their voices to support the future of New Zealand netball.
“We just need everyone’s help, we need everyone’s voices to be heard, we want to work with Netball New Zealand,” Reuelu-Buchanan said. She emphasized that the goal is to ensure the sport does not die in the country.
Netball New Zealand declined an interview regarding the current state of the competition and its future plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ANZ Premiership?
The ANZ Premiership is the premier domestic netball competition in New Zealand, featuring six professional teams.
Why are netball players considering moving overseas?
Players are considering overseas moves due to financial instability, potential pay cuts, and the lack of a long-term broadcast deal for the domestic league.
Is there a broadcast deal for New Zealand netball?
There is currently no broadcast deal in place for the competition beyond the year 2026.
What do you think about the future of domestic netball? Should players prioritize overseas opportunities to secure their careers? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more sports industry updates.
