NNZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie told the Otago Daily Times yesterday the competition is locked in for next season and logistics were still being explored.
But she did confirm all six franchises would return and the competition was likely to be during a similar time frame — from May to July — due to the Commonwealth Games.
Wyllie was pleased to affirm the competition’s status.
"It’s been really important for us to give that sort of certainty to our system," Wyllie said.
NNZ was "still working through a whole bunch of things" but with the announcement was "able to at least give that comfort so that we can all move on and really focus on the product we’re delivering this year"
Signing a broadcast deal — which was scaled back for the 2025 season leading NNZ to produce the Saturday games in-house — was not far away either.
"We’re still working on what the optimum broadcast scenario is for the sport. There’s lots of moving parts in that.
"It’s something that we are not too far off being able to finalise, but we’ve just got to make sure that we explore all of those options thoroughly."
All options for the future of domestic netball, including returning to a three-round ANZ Premiership, moving the competition’s timeframe to allow players to compete in Australia and joining Australia’s Super Netball, are being considered.
But they could not be put in action until 2027, Wyllie said.
"We’re considering all of the options of what our future product might look like.
"But [2027] gives us enough time to plan it, [get] some really good insight from the market, engage with the players, and the fans, to make sure that whatever changes, or considerations, that we have on the table are well thought through."
Several players have expressed their concerns for their future with the uncertainty of the ANZ Premiership.
Asked if she felt there had been enough communication, Wyllie said NNZ worked closely with the New Zealand Players Association, which had been informed "the entire way through our discussions".
"They will be sharing, as appropriate, with the athletes, and to be able to give them clarity around the future."
Southern Steel coach Wendy Frew said it had been an unsettling time for players, but they were focused on the season ahead.
"To be honest, we haven’t talked about it a lot," Frew said.
"It is unsettling, but at the moment we’re just focusing on the opposition and what we can control.
"Next year, at the moment, we can’t control. We’re just trying to put our best foot forward for the season.
"This netball competition’s the best one in the world. We need it to keep going, so we’re grateful that we’re playing in it and we’re just hopeful that it continues."
Having reduced games had made it tough this season.
"You pretty much could lose six games and you’re not in playoff contention.
"It’s been hard to fit everything in the preseason, but every team’s in the same boat, so you’ve just got to adapt as well as you can and just try put it all out there."
Frew said she did not mind whether New Zealand joined the Australia domestically again, but hoped "this league stays alive".
"It’s a fantastic competition.
"Whether it be the New Zealand domestic comp or we join the Aussies — I mean, I loved playing the Aussies — but whatever’s best for the game in New Zealand.
"Whatever’s going to keep growing the sport and keeping those young girls, and boys, coming through and playing the game."
