ANZ Netball Premiership Secures Free-to-Air Broadcast Deal for 2026 Season

In a major shift for New Zealand netball, the 2026 ANZ Netball Premiership will be broadcast exclusively on free-to-air television, marking a return to the public broadcaster after a long partnership with Sky Sport. This development comes after months of negotiations and represents a significant change in how the sport will be promoted and funded in the coming years.

Sky Sport has been the primary broadcast partner for New Zealand Netball since 2008. However, the organization has now shifted its focus to TVNZ, which has won the exclusive rights to broadcast all games of the 2026 season. This move is expected to bring the sport into the homes of more New Zealanders, potentially increasing its visibility and appeal.

While the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, it is anticipated that players may face pay cuts in the upcoming season. This is due to the uncertainty surrounding the financial model of the new broadcast agreement. Despite this, New Zealand Netball is hopeful that the shift to free-to-air will attract more sponsors and boost the sport's long-term sustainability.

TVNZ has expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, with its head of sports, events, and partnerships, Melodie Robinson, stating that netball is one of New Zealand's most popular sports codes. She emphasized the importance of connecting young fans with their sporting heroes, bringing the excitement of the game directly into their homes each weekend.

New Zealand Netball's chief executive, Jennie Wyllie, welcomed the move to free-to-air television, calling it a "fantastic outcome for fans." She noted that the sport has already seen strong broadcast numbers, high match attendances, and unprecedented global viewership, and that this new arrangement will further expand its reach across Aotearoa.

The 2026 season will feature new rule innovations, including the captain's timeout and the two-point shot, which were introduced in the previous season. The competition will run from April, with matches scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays. The format will consist of two rounds of matches between the six domestic teams, followed by a finals series. There will be 30 round-robin matches and two finals over a 12-week period.

As the sport looks to the future, the shift to free-to-air broadcasting is expected to bring new opportunities for growth, fan engagement, and sponsorship. However, the financial implications for players remain a concern, with some potentially needing to seek secondary income to supplement their earnings from the sport.