Black Sticks Withdraw from Pro League Over Cost Concerns

The Black Sticks, New Zealand’s national hockey teams, will not participate in the FIH Pro League due to concerns about the format’s high costs and demanding travel requirements. This decision follows New Zealand’s qualification for the league after winning the Nations Cup in March 2024. Hockey New Zealand expressed that the current Pro League structure is “misaligned with New Zealand’s high-performance goals.”

The withdrawal was reached after consultations with players, coaches, and key stakeholders. Ken Maplesden, the acting chief executive officer of Hockey New Zealand, highlighted that the Pro League’s format is “expensive, travel-heavy, and limits home games.” He added that it does not support the sustainable athlete-first programme the organization is striving to develop.

Concerns About the Current Format

Both the men’s and women’s Black Sticks teams have declined their spots in the Pro League, citing similar challenges. The men’s coach Greg Nicol stated that the decision aligns with the programme’s focus on “prioritising wellbeing, smart preparation, and long-term success.” He emphasized the desire to compete against the best teams but not at the expense of the athletes’ wellbeing or the programme’s integrity.

Maplesden noted that opting out of the league underscores the “structural barriers facing geographically remote nations like New Zealand” within the current competitive framework. He remarked, “This wasn’t taken lightly. We’re proud of what both teams achieved to qualify. But after consultation with athletes and staff, it became clear the Pro League isn’t workable for us right now.”

The New Zealand Hockey Players Association (NZHPA) also supports this decision. Executive manager Glen Sulzberger stated that players “desperately” want to compete at the highest level. He emphasized that the right to participate in international hockey should not come at such a high cost, both for the players and for the sport in New Zealand.

Future Aspirations and Feedback

Sulzberger criticized the Pro League, stating, “What is clear is that the Pro League does not meet its original objectives, nor has it evolved to become a viable competition. The FIH is failing its duty to the game.”

Player Sam Lane expressed disappointment over the inability to compete after qualifying. “We understand the challenges with the league and implore the FIH to properly engage and listen to what athletes have to say,” Lane remarked.

Despite its withdrawal, Hockey New Zealand remains committed to returning to the Pro League if a more sustainable and athlete-friendly format is established. As the FIH continues to review the competition, stakeholders are hopeful for changes that will better serve the needs of all participating nations.