A proposed netball league backed by Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams could be up and running as early as next year, after the high-profile couple put forward a new proposal to Netball New Zealand to fast-track the establishment of a privately-owned franchise competition.
By Dana Johannsen of RNZ
RNZ revealed earlier this week that Mowbray and Williams are leading a bid to take over the licence to run an elite domestic league. A private ownership model is one of several options being explored by netball bosses as it battles to secure the long-term future of the game.
The original proposal was for a new competition to launch in 2028, but RNZ understands the pair have now presented Netball NZ with an alternative plan that would provide a potential lifeline for 2027.
The move to expedite the timeline for the project comes amid growing concern over what next year's domestic netball landscape will look like.
Netball NZ chairperson Alastair Carruthers revealed last month that the organisation is facing losses of up to $6 million for the financial year - $3.7 million of which can be attributed to the costs of running the ANZ Premiership. Without a broadcast deal in place for next season, the national body has been unable to offer any guarantees that there will be an elite domestic league in 2027.
Netball New Zealand chairperson Alastair Carruthers told Breakfast “it was difficult to sustain these types of losses" after posting a $3.7 million loss. (Source: Breakfast)
It is understood the disclosure of Netball NZ's financial position, coupled with concerns of an exodus of top talent overseas, has mobilised Mowbray and Williams to present a new proposal to Netball NZ for 2027.
With both parties understood to have signed non-disclosure agreements while due diligence is carried out, the details of the proposal remain tightly under wraps.
However, one netball insider said the proposal for 2027 would be a scaled-back version of the private ownership group's broader ambitions.
"It won't be the fully-realised product that is envisaged for 2028, I guess it would be more like a beta phase."
Another source with knowledge of the discussions said the 2027 proposal more closely resembles the "status quo" of the ANZ Premiership, and would be treated as a launch pad to establish a more "bombastic" version of the competition the following year.
Williams did not respond to requests for comment.
On the surface, the proposal offers Netball NZ a ready-made solution to its challenges, essentially allowing the organisation to offload the financial burden of running the league. However the national body is understood to be "nervous" about a potential move to privatise the league, which would fundamentally change the way the country's top domestic netball competition is funded and operated.
In a statement Netball NZ said it was exploring a number of options for the "future of the domestic competition for 2027 and beyond".
"Privatisation is one of the options being looked at, however no decisions have been made and there are multiple options on the table," the statement read.
"We are currently in confidential discussions with the NZNPA and the Zones, and we're not in a position to say any more at this stage. Our collective focus is on securing the best possible outcome for the game and a sustainable, successful future for netball in Aotearoa."
Netball NZ chief executive Jennah Wootten, who took the helm of the organisation this week, is expected to front media for the first time on Friday morning.
Fresh eyes
The proposal from Mowbray, one of New Zealand's most successful business figures, and Williams is understood to be part of a play to expand their sports investment portfolio.
The couple are among a group of high-profile investors in A-League club Auckland FC, which has achieved extraordinary success both on and off the field in its first two seasons in the competition.
It is understood the couple want to bring elements of Auckland FC's commercial and fan engagement approach to netball.
Williams, a 77-test All Black, is believed to be leading a lot of the behind the scenes work to sound out other potential private investors, including key figures from other sports franchises.
He has also enlisted the help of several prominent figures from New Zealand netball, including former Silver Ferns Anna Stanley and Adine Wilson.
Despite the ANZ Premiership operating at a deficit of $3.7 million last season, Williams is said to be "bullish" about his prospects of attracting private and commercial partners, and convincing broadcasters to invest.
It is understood the origins of Mowbray and Williams' involvement dates back to last year, when the couple was first approached by Netball NZ while former chief executive Jennie Wyllie was still at the helm.
RNZ has learned that approach followed a research project commissioned by Netball NZ's previous management team, examining options for improving the sustainability of the elite domestic competition, which has in recent years been operating largely on a year-to-year basis rather than under a long-term commercial model.
"This is not a scheme that's been dreamed up overnight," one netball insider told RNZ.
"It's something Netball NZ has been looking into for a long time, but the change of CEO and the board has complicated matters. We've had fresh sets of eyes come in and examine everything - and rightly so."
The original work was undertaken by former cricket and hockey administrator Anthony Crummy, and examined a range of possible league structures, including the ownership and licensing arrangements for teams.
According to the source the work was later "sharpened" by Australian sports industry expert Shane Mattiske, a former chief executive of the NRL, who now works as a consultant specialising in commercialisation, sponsorship, infrastructure and media rights.
The model Netball NZ ultimately landed on was for the organisation to sell the licence to run the league, with private investors taking responsibility for its commercial and operational affairs.
That earlier work contemplated a new structure being in place for the 2027 season. But the process was disrupted by a period of upheaval at Netball NZ.
Speaking to Breakfast, the Silver Ferns coach reflected on her side's remarkable triumph following a tumultuous 12 months. (Source: Breakfast)
Wyllie left the organisation late last year in the fallout from the drawn-out employment dispute with Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua. Four members of the Netball NZ board also subsequently resigned.
The leadership and governance changes effectively stalled the work on a new league, with the new board and executive team inheriting a process already under way while also developing their own priorities for the organisation.
It remains unclear how committed the current Netball NZ leadership is to the private ownership model pursued by its predecessors.
The plan would also need the support of the New Zealand Netball Players' Association (NZNPA), which are currently in collective bargaining with the national body.
NZNPA boss Pippa Moore said she was unable to discuss specific plans on the table, but in principle the organisation is open to the idea of privatisation.
"We are open to considering all credible options, including private investment, that can better unlock netball's commercial value," Moore said in a statement.
"Any future model must provide a strong domestic competition, meaningful professional opportunities for New Zealand players, and a clear pathway that ensures future generations can aspire to play at the highest level."
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