Auckland's Netball Future: Why Two Teams Make Sense in New League
As New Zealand's elite netball prepares for a private ownership overhaul, a key question emerges: can Auckland sustain two teams in the new competition? Former Stars general manager Jane Bennett says yes, citing the city's population and the franchise's growing fanbase as compelling evidence.
Netball New Zealand recently backed a bid by Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams to establish a private franchise league, signing a non-binding term sheet that commits to a minimum five-team competition in 2027. This means one of the six current ANZ Premiership franchises could be cut.
What is the current ownership structure of the six franchises?
Three franchises are owned by Netball New Zealand: the Mainland Tactix, the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, and the South Auckland based Stars. The Southern Steel, Wellington-based Pulse, and the Auckland-based Mystics are owned by their respective netball zones and operate independently.
Why does Bennett believe the Stars are not more vulnerable?
Bennett, who recently stepped down as Stars general manager, argues that Netball NZ-owned teams are actually better positioned for the transition. These franchises are naturally leaner and already structured to function as standalone entities, while zone-owned teams carry more infrastructure.
Actually I think it makes it cleaner in a way for those teams because work was underway in terms of thinking about what a sustainable future looked like for teams, even while options for the competition were still being worked through.
Bennett acknowledges the geographic challenge: the Stars were added in 2017 as the second Auckland-based team, and the other Netball NZ-owned franchises do not face direct local competition. However, she points to demographics and engagement as decisive factors.
What evidence supports keeping two Auckland teams?
Auckland is home to one third of New Zealand's population, making it the country's largest market. The Stars have also shown strong growth, selling out games for three consecutive seasons. Bennett believes this foundation gives potential new owners a compelling story and a loyal fanbase to build on.
Bennett points to Mowbray and Williams' track record with Auckland FC, the A-League Men champions in just their second season, as proof of their ability to build successful sporting enterprises. The couple holds a 15 percent stake in the football club.
I watched Auckland FC with interest and the work they did. There's no doubt that the backing they had meant they could really invest in key resources in that commercial and marketing space.
How will the final number of teams be decided?
Mowbray has stated that the deciding factor will be the quality of ownership candidates. The investors have roughly three weeks to secure deals and identify owners who can maintain league standards.
One thing that we've learned through the building of AFC is the importance of really great owners. Great owners help to build a league, help to ensure that the standards are set.
Mowbray also cautioned against assuming Netball NZ-owned franchises are more at risk of being dropped. The Stars have publicly confirmed they are exploring opportunities to be part of the new competition.
What challenges has the Stars franchise faced?
The Stars have lost four key players during the uncertainty. Silver Ferns Amelia Walmsley and Mila Reuelu-Buchanan will play in Australia's Super Netball competition next year, while former Silver Fern Claire O'Brien joins the Sydney Sirens. Kate Burley, a wider squad member, has announced her retirement.
Bennett described these departures as difficult but necessary decisions for the players. She noted the strong foundation built this season and expressed optimism about new opportunities emerging for younger players.
Why does Bennett support the private ownership model?
Bennett believes private investment is the best path forward for New Zealand's domestic netball league. The league has struggled to secure a broadcast deal for three seasons, and she sees outside investment as a way to strengthen the product.
Investment into our sport and the product wasn't broken. Someone coming in and bringing that investment will just make it better and better.
While acknowledging the work ahead, Bennett expressed confidence in Mowbray and Williams' approach. She noted they are entering with realistic expectations and will build on existing foundations rather than starting from scratch.
The decision on which teams make the cut will ultimately depend on ownership quality and the speed of infrastructure setup. For Auckland, the case for two teams rests on market size, fan engagement, and the proven track record of the investors involved.