Netball NZ has apologised after a media leak revealed plans for a privately run domestic league had been abandoned, while confirming an "advanced plan" for a new elite competition was in the works in 2027.
Chief executive Jennah Wootten said confidential correspondence about the decision to end negotiations on the proposed privatised domestic competition was leaked to media on Friday, before the body could speak to players.
"Our intention was always to speak with players before any public announcement, and to do so with as much clarity as possible about the pathway forward," she said in a statement to 1News on Monday.
The leak did not have the best interests or wellbeing of players in mind, she added.
"I am so sorry that players have instead had to learn of this decision through the media rather than direct from NNZ. This was not how we intended such important information to be communicated. The distress and uncertainty it has created is deeply regrettable."
Netball NZ announced on Friday it would not proceed with a proposed privately run domestic competition put forward by investors Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams.
The pair, who co-own A-League champions Auckland FC, said they had poured their time, money and energy into the project and were "devastated" to see it collapse.
The private league had been proposed as a replacement for the ANZ Premiership.
Mowbray-Williams 'devastated' as Netball NZ blow whistle on league
Mowbray and Williams – who are also co-owners of A-League side Auckland FC – planned to establish a private franchise league to replace the ANZ Premiership, following months of uncertainty about the competition's future.
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Wootten acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the future of the domestic game.
"We care deeply about these players and their futures, as well as those of the talented support staff who work in elite netball across New Zealand."
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