Netball league chaos as parties cease talks
It looks like there will be no premier netball competition in New Zealand in 2027 after negotiations between Netball New Zealand and the organisation run by Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams.
Netball NZ had a board meeting earlier this week where it was decided to have no further involvement with investors Mowbray and Williams.
LATEST HEADLINES:
Black Ferns named for final 2026 Test
A statement released by NNZ on Friday afternoon said the following;
Netball New Zealand (NNZ) has confirmed that, following extensive negotiations, its proposal to grant a licence to privatise the elite domestic competition with Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams will not go ahead.
NNZ Chief Executive Jennah Wootten said both parties entered the process with a genuine ambition to strengthen elite domestic netball, and the discussions were held in good faith.
“There has been considerable effort on both sides to try to make this work. Over the past two months we’ve had extensive negotiations and communications with Anna and Ali. We respect and value their interest in the domestic competition and thank them for their engagement.
“Netball NZ had key objectives and principles that had to be met as we contemplated privatisation of the elite domestic competition. These were clearly communicated from the outset within the term sheet signed by both parties. Over time negotiations shifted from those set out in the term sheet and ultimately it became clear that we would not be able to reach an agreement.
“Netball NZ has a different perspective on various comments that have been reported, but recognising the confidentiality commitments between the parties, NNZ will not be commenting on the specific terms of the negotiations or how they concluded.
“This was not a decision made lightly. This outcome does not change our commitment to a strong and sustainable performance pathway for netball in New Zealand, and our obligations to protect the long-term interests of the sport. We know how much this matters to people across the game and we know it creates real uncertainty for players, support staff and everyone involved in the competition.
“Giving players clarity as quickly as possible is our top priority
Williams stated on the radio that they were still prepared to involve in the sport and it was not them who had ended the conversation.
The ANZ Premiership posted a loss of $3.7 million for the 2026 season while NNZ itself forecast a loss of up to $6 million at the end of the financial year.
