Netball Australia has confirmed that the planned expansion of the Super Netball league from eight to ten teams will not proceed in 2027 and has been postponed until at least 2028. The delay is attributed to ongoing television rights negotiations and the scheduling of the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney. Concurrently, Round Five of the 2026 Super Netball season concluded with four matches.
League Expansion Postponed
Netball Australia initiated a process in late 2025 to call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for two new team licenses, with a submission deadline in February 2026. The organization stated that expansion timelines are "not feasible for 2027" but confirmed it remains committed to evaluating future growth opportunities. Independent assistants were engaged to review the proposals.
Interested Parties
According to reports, four main parties are advancing in the EOI process:
- Newcastle Knights: Confirmed submission of an EOI.
- Netball Tasmania: Confirmed submission of an EOI.
- Sports Entertainment Network (SEN): Owner of the Melbourne Mavericks, holds a right of first refusal for an additional license as part of a 2023 agreement.
- Geelong Football Netball League (GFNL): Reported as a contender.
The Gold Coast Titans and Netball ACT expressed past interest but did not submit formal proposals this cycle. Netball New Zealand and its ANZ Premiership franchises explored joining the competition but ruled it out, according to a Radio New Zealand report citing financial unviability.
Broadcast Rights Context
The current broadcast agreement with Fox Sport, signed in 2021, was reported to be worth $35 million and supported by a federal government grant. This deal expires after the 2026 season. Netball Australia Chair Liz Ellis stated the organization aims to return Super Netball to free-to-air television in 2027, potentially through a shared partnership with Fox Sport. Netball Australia reported an average audience of 57,000 per match in 2024.
Player Contract Assurance
Multiple sources indicated that players will not be expected to take a pay cut, even if the next broadcast deal is worth the same or less than the current agreement. Any financial shortfall would need to be covered by the league or individual clubs.
Round Five Match Results
The following results were recorded for Round Five of the 2026 Super Netball season:
- Melbourne Vixens defeated NSW Swifts: 66-59
- Adelaide Thunderbirds defeated GWS Giants: 56-54
- Melbourne Mavericks defeated Sunshine Coast Lightning: 62-53
- West Coast Fever defeated Queensland Firebirds: 58-54
Player Movement Trend: Temporary Replacements
A trend of teams signing retired players as temporary injury or pregnancy replacements continued in the 2026 season.
- Romelda Aiken-George: Joined the West Coast Fever as a pregnancy replacement for Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard. In Round Five, she played her 250th national league game.
- Katrina Rore: Joined the NSW Swifts as an injury replacement for Sarah Klau.
NSW Swifts Coach Briony Akle stated the decision to sign Rore was due to the concurrent national under-17 and under-19 championships and a lack of available training partners, citing three ACL injuries among them.
Netball Australia CEO Resignation
Stacey West resigned as CEO of Netball Australia, effective April 27, 2025. West served as interim CEO from December 2023 and in the role officially from May 2024. During her tenure, the league reported record crowd numbers, a free-to-air broadcast deal was signed, and the Australian Diamonds were ranked world number one. Mark Falvo, CEO of the 2027 Netball World Cup, was appointed interim CEO.
Netball Players' Association Calls for Pay Increase
Jo Weston, president of the Australian Netball Players' Association, called for a pay increase for players following the announcement of a new five-year broadcast deal with the Nine Network, effective January 1, 2027. The deal will see all Super Netball matches, Australian Diamonds matches, and the 2027 World Cup broadcast free-to-air.
Weston stated the players' association would return to the negotiating table, hoping revenue from new partnerships would reach players. The union has previously advocated for revenue share models, where players earn a percentage of the sport's income from sponsorships, broadcast, and events. Weston also noted players currently do not receive a percentage of revenue from merchandise featuring their images.
Upcoming Developments
Interested parties expect further updates on the expansion process in May 2026.