It has been the number one women’s team sport in both interest and participation. Its stars, outside of Olympic Games heroes, often represented the pinnacle of sporting achievement for female sport.
Netball legends, including Dunedin’s former New Zealand representative and revered coach Lois Muir, have long been admired and celebrated.
Showdowns against Australia were eagerly anticipated. A broad cross-section of sporting fans recognised the team and its players. Viewership during the heyday of World Championship and Commonwealth Games finals was immense.
Yet, much has and is changing, at least at the elite level.
The domestic netball competition once commanded high fees for broadcast rights. These were sold to Sky, both a blessing and a curse. The money enabled the players to be paid salaries and boosted professionalism but, because the games were on a subscription service, much of the population was excluded.
Children had fewer opportunities to see potential heroes in action. Netball faded a little from the limelight.
Netball’s appeal to broadcasters has waned, and in recent months it has struggled to secure a broadcast partner. While TVNZ 1 will now show games live and on demand, reports suggest Netball New Zealand had to pay for the privilege.
This year, the domestic competition was shortened to reduce costs. Its format for next season remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, top players are heading overseas in search of better financial rewards. Superstar Grace Nweke left for Australia this year, initially sacrificing her eligibility to represent New Zealand.
Unable to offer competitive salaries, Netball NZ has backtracked, allowing certain players, including Nweke, to depart while retaining Silver Fern eligibility. The criteria for this dispensation remain undisclosed.
Several players are heading overseas, including Southern Steel co-captain Kate Heffernan. Who can blame them, when top players might earn $120,000 in Australia compared to just $60,000 in New Zealand?
Even that figure is uncertain, with pay cuts expected next year, and many players earning significantly less.
Next year, the televised league will also lack the draw of its 10 or so most recognised netballers, weakening its appeal. On the other hand, the presence of many of them in the Australian league could offer a new platform for New Zealand fans to follow the sport
Premier netball is shifting from professional to semi-professional, and perhaps even amateur. Unlike rugby or cricket, it lacks a male counterpart to help underpin professional structures. Unlike football, it lacks international clout and the revenue generated by World Cups. And unlike basketball, it is not a global sport offering pathways such as US college scholarships.
Viewers now have compelling alternatives in women’s rugby, rugby league, football, and cricket, most of which carry greater overall clout.
These sports are also drawing athletic talent that once gravitated toward netball. As a result, netball’s standards are likely to decline, and New Zealand may struggle to consistently reclaim a top-two global ranking.
Netball also faces intensified competition for commercial interest and sponsorship.
The good news is the enduring strength at the community level. It continues to benefit from dedicated volunteers and, particularly in the South, capable development officers. Southland, of course, remains the standout region for netball support.
Netball New Zealand’s registered player numbers rose from about 120,000 in 2024 to about 145,000 last year. However, there may have been a decline in secondary school participation.
Basketball and volleyball have grown in popularity. Indoor team sports have growing costs and organisational advantages over those based on fields. Volleyball demonstrates that a high profile is not necessary to thrive.
Netball’s deep roots in New Zealand society will serve it well in the challenging times ahead.
