The Netball Super League (NSL) returns on Saturday 17 February and for the first time fans will be able to watch the action live throughout the season on Sky Sports and ` Sport as part of a ground-breaking broadcast agreement for the sport.
As a dedicated partner of netball for more than 17 years, Sky Sports has cemented its commitment to the sport with a renewed three-year partnership that will see all games from the season opener, as well as the semi-final play-offs and Grand Final, shown on Sky Sports and with a Match from each regular round shown on Sky Sports YouTube to ensure the widest possible access to the UK's elite netball competition, which is free for fans.
In addition, the NSL is pleased to welcome ` Sport into a new two-year partnership from 2024, which will see one game per round of the regular season broadcast on ` iPlayer and the ` Sport website and app, further expanding the reach of the sport will reach new target groups in British households.
In another exciting addition to this season, fans around the world can watch all games from the season opener, two games per regular round and all play offs as well as the grand final on NetballPass with a season pass of 40 games.
Commenting on the new broadcast arrangements, NSL Chief Executive Claire Nelson said: “This is a hugely important milestone, allowing us to showcase our sport to a wider audience than ever before, and an incredible opportunity for the league, our clubs and our players Satisfying the appetite we know is there.
“As we move towards professionalisation, we remain fully committed to delivering innovation in the way fans consume and experience netball. With ` Sport joining Sky Sports as our trusted partner, we are not only giving the league unprecedented exposure, but we are continuing to ensure netball remains at the forefront of innovative sports broadcasting. With 75% of our television audience using digital platforms, it is these partnerships that meet the changing viewing habits of our younger audience.
“As part of our professionalization plans, we have big ambitions for the league and this is an important step towards 2025, where our aim is for every game to be broadcast everywhere in the world, so everyone can watch every game, no matter how or where “Whatever he is.” This season I would encourage all fans to tune in or come along to get behind our clubs and experience all the incredible drama and excitement the NSL has to offer.”
After 18 rounds, the top four teams will compete in the semi-finals before the grand final on June 29th. The 2024 season, set to be the most exciting yet, will feature some of the biggest names from the UK as well as stars from around the world ready to showcase their talents.
Helen Falkus, Director of Multi Sports at Sky Sports, said: “Sky Sports has had a long-standing partnership with netball since 2006 and we are delighted to reaffirm our commitment to the sport with a renewed three-year partnership.
“The sport's popularity has grown significantly in recent years, and as the sport's viewing habits continue to evolve, this deal underscores our commitment to meeting our fans where they are with NSL coverage on YouTube.”
Philip Bernie, interim director of ` Sport, added: “Our live coverage of netball has become increasingly popular with viewers and now they can catch the excitement of the weekly NSL games for free, live and on-demand.” Following the success of the Netball World Cup Finals 2023, which had 1.3 million viewers on the `, fans can now enjoy more live coverage as we continue to bring all the action of the game to a larger audience.”
The following games from the first nine regular rounds will be shown on Sky Sports YouTube and accessible via the Sky Sports website and app:
- Round 2: Saturday 24th February – Saracens Mavericks – Leeds Rhinos
- Round 3: Saturday March 2nd – London Pulse v Loughborough Lightning
- Round 4: Friday March 8th – Severn Stars v Manchester Thunder
- Round 5: Friday March 15th – Manchester Thunder – Surrey Storm
- Round 6: Friday March 22nd – Leeds Rhinos v London Pulse
- Round 7: Friday March 29th – Strathclyde Sirens v Loughborough Lightning
- Round 8: Sunday April 7th – Saracens Mavericks – Manchester Thunder
- Round 9: Friday 12th April – Team Bath v Cardiff Dragons
The following games from the first nine regular rounds will be shown on the `:
- Round 2: Saturday 24th February – Loughborough Lightning v Team Bath
- Round 3: Friday 1st March – Team Bath v Severn Stars
- Round 4: Saturday 9th March – Surrey Storm v Cardiff Dragons
- Round 5: Saturday 16th March – Loughborough Lightning v Leeds Rhinos
- Round 6: Saturday March 23rd – Manchester Thunder – Loughborough Lightning
- Round 7: Saturday March 30th – Cardiff Dragons v London Pulse
- Round 8: Friday 5th April – London Pulse v Strathclyde Sirens
- Round 9: Saturday 13th April – Manchester Thunder v Leeds Rhinos
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