the new landscape

Transformational change is coming as netball moves into a new era with NSL 2025. The reaction to our recent announcement about the make-up of next year’s League shows just how passionate the Netball Family is about our sport, so we wanted to make sure that our members have all the necessary information.

The journey to professionalisation will undoubtedly take time. This is a decade-long adventure, with an opportunity to strengthen the entire infrastructure of our sport to deliver the change it needs.

The headlines

Eight teams, including six existing Clubs and two new entities, were successful in a rigorous tender process and are set to propel the Netball Super League (NSL) forward from next season, marking a significant step towards our sport’s professionalisation.

The Clubs have been selected due to their ability to deliver the on and off court advancements needed to raise the standards of the league. With powerful new ownership and investment models coming into the League, the new-look competition will be built on stronger foundations as it embarks on a ten-year journey to full professionalisation.

Claire Nelson, NSL Managing Director said: “Going from ten Clubs at present to eight next year will be a case of fewer, bigger, better. We have big plans as a League and believe that we have the right Clubs who can come on this incredible journey with us.

“We must say a huge thank you to all Clubs and interested parties who were involved in the tender process. Clearly, we’ve had to make some really difficult decisions along the way; decisions that were necessary to enable us to create a product that is built to last and one that our fans want to show up to and be a part of now and long into the future. We are proud to stand on the shoulders of all the Clubs that have laid the path before us and we will ensure that we honour their legacy by taking our League and sport to new heights as we move forward into this new era.”

There will be a brand-new League to underpin the relaunched NSL, which will deliver the next level of elite competition for emerging and returning players as well as coaches and officials. This new layer of enhanced competition will be contested by the newly named teams and will build and develop a greater pool of talent that will fuel the NSL for continued success in the future.

The changes will mean that existing NSL Clubs Severn Stars, Strathclyde Sirens, Surrey Storm and Team Bath will not be part of the League following the conclusion of the 2024 season. As NSL 2024 draws to a close, the League is working with these Clubs to ensure they receive a fitting farewell and are celebrated for the significant impact they have had on the League and on netball as a whole.

With such a significant netball participation and fan base in the South and South West of England, and exciting new arenas planned in Bristol in the coming years, England Netball will continue to work closely with Team Bath and Netball South West to explore options for the future, alongside continuing to provide South West athletes with opportunities to compete in the Netball Performance League (NPL) pathway competitions.

Pathway activity will continue to be delivered in every region, ensuring young athletes are provided with opportunities to fulfil their potential. Pathway providers and delivery plans may change for athletes in some areas as we strive to forge greater connections with NSL teams at the top level, thus unlocking greater support for athletes at every level. Franchises are working hard to finalise pathway plans for the upcoming season and further information will be released in the coming weeks.

Claire Nelson concludes: “All eyes now are rightly on the end of the existing season which is building into a thrilling showdown ahead of what will be the biggest Grand Final ever this weekend. But we have an opportunity here like no other to fuel our growth and strengthen the infrastructure of our sport, so our focus is also on preparing our new Clubs for next season.”

The questions

Why the move from ten to eight Clubs?

Moving from ten to eight Clubs will ensure a greater concentration and distribution of talent that will deliver a closer, more competitive League with higher quality games and thrilling to-the-wire action for fans.

Were the players consulted?

Yes absolutely. We have consulted with players via the Netball Players Association, who have been involved in this process from the off. It was critical to have their input and to hear their voices as ultimately, we are trying to create something for them that is fit for purpose and provide them with enhanced playing career opportunities.

Who are the two new teams?

Birmingham Panthers and Nottingham Forest Netball are the two new teams entering the League in 2025. Birmingham Panthers will work with the University of Worcester to build on the success of Severn Stars in a bid to establish netball and its players as a leading force across the region and beyond. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest Netball is owned and managed by the Premier League football team, and is part of major plans to develop a multi-sport model for the football club.

Where will the teams play and will I be able to watch?

For the upcoming season, 50 per cent of games will be played at major arenas across the country, delivering bigger crowds and enhanced matchday experiences for fans, and all games will be available to watch from home.

Will the players be paid more? Squad sizes will reduce to ten to ensure Clubs are competitive and talented players are distributed. Player salaries will increase and the League will be introducing a new salary cap and banding structure to ensure that players are remunerated in a more even and transparent way. The average salary will increase by at least 60 per cent with the minimum salary payment more than doubling.