Netball Super League 2025: A New Era of Professional Netball

Introduction to the Netball Super League 2025

The Netball Super League (NSL) has undergone a significant transformation for the 2025 season. With new teams, updated rules, and a fresh venue for the Grand Final, the league is set to offer an unprecedented level of excitement and competition. This article delves into the key changes and what fans can expect from this new era of professional netball.

New Teams and League Structure

Teams Competing in 2025

The 2025 NSL will feature eight teams, a reduction from the previous ten, to ensure a more competitive and balanced league. The teams are:

Manchester Thunder
Loughborough Lightning
London Pulse
Leeds Rhinos
London Mavericks
Cardiff Dragons
Birmingham Panthers
Nottingham Forest

League Format

Each team will play against the others twice during the season—once at home and once away. The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals, with the first and second-placed teams hosting these crucial matches. The winners will then progress to the Grand Final, which will be held at London's O2 Arena on Sunday, 6 July 2025.

New Rules for 2025

Super Shot

One of the most talked-about changes is the introduction of the 'Super Shot'. Shooters can score two-point shots from a designated area within the shooting circle, but only during the final five minutes of each quarter. This rule aims to add an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the game.

No Draws

To ensure a decisive outcome, matches that are tied after 60 minutes will go into a 10-minute period of extra time.

Timeouts

Each team is allowed one 90-second tactical timeout per game, which must be called by a player on the court and only after a goal has been scored.

More Points

Losing teams that finish within five points of their opponents will earn one league table point, encouraging closer competition.

The Netball Super Cup

The inaugural Netball Super Cup took place on Saturday, 8 March 2025, at Sheffield's Utilita Arena. This one-day competition featured all eight teams and served as a prelude to the new season. London Pulse emerged victorious, defeating Leeds Rhinos 20-15 in the final.

Professionalisation and Player Salaries

The NSL is making strides towards full professionalisation. For the 2025 season, the average player salary has increased by 60%, with the base salary doubled. However, many players still balance their netball careers with work or study. The league anticipates that full professionalisation will take around 10 years.

How to Watch the NSL 2025

The NSL season kicks off on Friday, 14 March 2025. One match from each round will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app, starting with London Pulse v Nottingham Forest on Sunday, 16 March at 17:00 GMT. The remaining matches will be available on Sky Sports.

Conclusion

The 2025 Netball Super League promises to be a landmark season with its new teams, rules, and increased focus on professionalisation. Fans can look forward to thrilling matches and the continued growth of netball as a premier sport.