Netball New Zealand says it won't be going ahead with a proposed privately run domestic league, leaving investors Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams "devastated" and the future of elite netball in doubt.
The pair, who had been working on a proposal to take over the running of the elite domestic competition from 2027, say they poured their time, money and energy into the project, only for it to collapse following an email from the governing body.
"We are devastated. Ali and I gave this everything. Our time, our money and our hearts," they said.
They said their motivation had been to bring the same community benefits to netball that they had seen through their co-ownership of A-League club Auckland FC.
"Yesterday that ended with an email. No reason. No call."
Mowbray and Williams said they did not understand why Netball NZ had decided to abandon the deal at the last minute, but remained committed to the country's netball community.
“We still believe wholeheartedly in the netball community of New Zealand and the spirit behind it. We remain committed to being guardians and advocates of sport in New Zealand and see it as an important piece of our society.”
Netball NZ confirmed it would not proceed with the proposed arrangement, saying its board had concluded an agreement to licence the privatisation of the elite domestic competition could not be reached.
"Despite considerable efforts by both parties, the Netball New Zealand Board has concluded that an agreement to licence the privatisation of its elite domestic netball competition with Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams cannot be reached. Our communications with each other are confidential," the statement read.
"We recognise this news will be unsettling, particularly for players and support staff. We will communicate further as soon as we can."
The organisation’s new chief executive Jennah Wootten said while there had been challenges recently, there was also a lot to be positive about. (Source: Breakfast)
Mowbray and Williams had planned to establish a private franchise league to replace the ANZ Premiership, following months of uncertainty about the competition's future.
Netball NZ previously said the term sheet set out an intention to work towards the privatisation of the domestic competition from 2027. Work had begun on developing a long-form agreement.
There would have been a five-team requirement for 2027, with the competition format, team structure, and season dates to be confirmed.
Player terms would be determined through collective bargaining with the New Zealand Netball Players' Association. Broadcast arrangements would sit with the investors, supported by Netball NZ.
Netball NZ would have remained the national governing body for the game and still be responsible for the Silver Ferns, national selection, the elite player pathway and community netball.
With uncertainty over the domestic game, scores of NZ's leading players have moved overseas to play.
SHARE ME