Netball NZ CEO refuses to guarantee 2027 professional domestic league
In this story Silver Ferns, Auckland FC, Ali Williams, Anna Mowbray
Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennah Wootten has declined to guarantee a professional domestic league for 2027 following the collapse of a private competition deal with Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams. While an alternative plan is being developed, Wootten hinted that discussions with multiple private investors are ongoing.
Key facts
4 facts
- Netball NZ board decided to end negotiations with Mowbray and Williams on Wednesday
- The proposed private league was intended to launch in 2027
- The parties had signed a non-binding term sheet in September
- Netball NZ is working on an alternative plan for an elite 2027 competition
The full story
1 min read · 4 outlets
Netball New Zealand is developing an advanced alternative plan for an elite domestic competition in 2027. This follows the collapse of negotiations with investors Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams regarding a proposed privately run league. The decision to end the non-binding term sheet was made at a board meeting on Wednesday.
The board decided to end negotiations because certain elements of the proposal had shifted from the original terms. Chief executive Jennah Wootten stated that while some shifts were acceptable, others were not comfortable for the board. Wootten noted that the organisation had failed to reach an agreement despite "considerable efforts by both parties".
Mowbray and Williams expressed they were "devastated" by the decision and claimed they were informed via email without an explanation. The investors had previously been selected as the preferred option in September to provide a lifeline for the sport. The proposed league was intended to launch in 2027 and was originally pitched for 2028.
Wootten apologised for the decision being leaked to the media before players could be briefed directly. She described the public fallout and the distress caused to players as "deeply regrettable". Netball NZ is currently meeting with zones and teams to progress the alternative 2027 pathway.
How it developed
- Mon 2 Nov, 4:56pmWootten hinted that Netball NZ is talking to multiple private investors and refused to guarantee a professional league for 2027.
- Mon 2 Nov, 5:00pmNetball NZ stated the collapse occurred because key elements of the proposal had shifted from the original terms agreed upon.
Where reports differ
- Mowbray and Williams claimed they received no explanation for the collapse, whereas Netball NZ stated the decision was due to shifts in the terms of the agreement.
Compiled from reports by Stuff, NZ Herald, 1News and RNZ.
