Super Netball could grow to 10 teams as Netball Australia invites licence bids
The Melbourne Mavericks joined Super Netball in 2023, and could soon be joined by two more sides by 2027. (AAP: Darren England)
In short:
Australia's premier netball competition could have two more teams by 2027, after Netball Australia "formally endorsed" a plan to grow the sport.
There are currently eight teams in the Super Netball competition.
Netball Australia is inviting expressions of interest (EOI) from qualified organisations and consortia seeking to secure a new team owner licence.
Super Netball could have two additional teams by 2027, with Netball Australia (NA) calling for expressions of interest to expand the competition.
The league is currently operating with eight teams, with the Melbourne Mavericks the most recent to join the competition last year.
The Mavericks effectively replaced Collingwood, who handed back their licence at the end of the 2023 season after seven years.
But with more international players joining the world's strongest league and demand from Australian players and fans growing, NA is also keen to keep rival competitions like the AFLW from raiding the talent pool.
Jo Weston (right) celebrates with her Melbourne Vixens teammates after winning the 2025 Super Netball title. (AAP: Joel Carrett)
The NA board has not approved expansion, but it has "formally endorsed the strategic intent to explore and evaluate opportunities for growth" and is expected to sign off.
The governing body announced they were inviting expressions of interest (EOI) from qualified organisations and consortia seeking to secure a new team owner licence.
This follows the release of a 10-year strategic plan this week to entrench Super Netball as Australia's most popular women's sports league and have the Diamonds become the most-recognised national women's sports team.
When the Mavericks, owned by media mogul Craig Hutchison's Sport Entertainment Network, won the last bid, Netball Victoria had made a submission for the eighth licence for a regional-based team in the state's western corridor in Geelong, Ballarat or Bendigo.
Netball Tasmania has also previously signalled interest in joining Super Netball.
Netball Australia boss Stacey West said the EOI process reflected the ambition of the sport, which had record-breaking attendance at games this season, including a sold-out grand final crowd of more than 15,000.
"The Super Netball League has never been stronger … it is clear the league has grown significantly over the past decade," West said in a statement on Friday.
"As we look toward the next era, it is vital that any expansion is strategic, sustainable and aligned with the long-term vision of Australian netball.
"Investing in women's sport presents a dynamic space for innovation, growth and purpose, and we look forward to engaging with interested parties as we consider the next stage of evolution for [Super Netball]."
AAP