Netball New Zealand cancels private league deal with investors

Netball New Zealand has terminated negotiations to privatize its elite domestic competition, ending an eight-week process with investors Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams. The decision follows the signing of a non-binding term sheet in August 2026, which aimed to establish a privately owned franchise league starting in 2027.

Netball New Zealand CEO Jennah Wootten stated that while the organization attempted to reach an agreement, certain shifts in the proposed arrangement's features and principles were unacceptable to the board. The national body had sought private investment to offset projected annual losses of up to $6 million, including $3.7 million in operational costs for the ANZ Premiership.

Mowbray and Williams, who also co-own Auckland FC, expressed devastation over the collapse of the deal, noting they were notified of the decision via email without prior consultation or detailed justification.