But there has been a reshuffle to the top club grades for the season after a review of the changes implemented last year.
Following club consultation from the 2025 season, the competition will return to premier A, B and C with eight teams in each grade, compared to last year when premier featured four grades with six teams in each.
University-Albion A won their third consecutive title with a 51-49 win over Physed A in last year’s final.
It is rare for clubs to complete a threepeat in Dunedin — Southern won six on the trot under the late, great Georgie Salter — but University-Albion A have been in a rich vein of form in recent seasons and will be hoping to add another title this season.
Both University-Albion A and Physed A return to premier A this season alongside College A, South Pacific Titans Taiko, University-Albion B and Southern Magpies, while South Pacific Titans Titi and College College A will make the step up.
The competition gets under way tomorrow.
They will play seven games in the first round, including one on Monday April 27, due to Anzac Day, and a doubleheader on May 2-3.
Premier A will play on May 21 (Thursday) to accommodate the Southern Steel v Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic clash in Dunedin on May 23.
That will be followed by promotion-relegation games on Monday, May 25.
They will then play a second round of seven more games, featuring another doubleheader on July 25-26.
Semifinals are scheduled for August 15 and the finals on August 22.
There is a buzz surrounding the sport in the city and a nice boost with eight additional teams registered in the senior grades this year, recognition for the work volunteers have done to attract more players.
Secondary schools and men’s netball begin next month.
