Top Netball Players Face Uncertainty Over Pay as Broadcast Deal Delays

The future of New Zealand’s top netball players hangs in the balance as delays in securing a broadcast deal for the ANZ Premiership could lead to pay cuts by 2026. According to Steph Bond, executive manager of the New Zealand Netball Players Association, some players may need to seek secondary income sources to make ends meet as negotiations continue without resolution.

The current ANZ Premiership season concluded on March 10, 2024, yet Netball New Zealand has not finalized a television deal for the upcoming season. This delay directly affects player salaries, with Bond expressing concern about the potential implications. “The sad part that could end up next year is that actually players will have to look outside of netball to supplement what they are earning to make ends meet,” Bond told Midday Report.

As players await clarity on their financial future, Bond highlighted the anxiety this uncertainty creates. “It’s creating challenges for those individuals, which is understandable when you’re not sure where your short-term future is heading,” she noted. Typically, this period would involve contract negotiations for the next season, but current discussions with Netball New Zealand are ongoing.

Despite avoiding widespread pay cuts this year through a negotiated collective employment agreement for 2025, the prospect of further reductions is disheartening for players. Bond remarked, “To be back facing the potential of pay cuts again is disappointing.” She emphasized that while the community game continues to grow, the financial rewards have not yet materialized to reflect that growth.

The uncertainty surrounding player salaries has prompted some athletes to consider opportunities abroad. Bond stated that players looking towards Australia may find better financial prospects. “If you look across the ditch, you can see a job over there that potentially is paid better and has different challenges, then people will be looking at that,” she explained.

In a related development, Netball New Zealand recently updated its eligibility criteria for the Silver Ferns, aiming to provide greater flexibility for athletes wishing to pursue careers overseas. This change reflects the evolving landscape of women’s sports and the need for players to adapt in uncertain times.

As the ANZ Premiership players navigate these challenges, the situation highlights broader issues facing women’s sports regarding financial sustainability and competitive opportunities. The outcome of the ongoing negotiations will be crucial for the future of netball in New Zealand and the livelihood of its players.