2026 ANZ Premiership – Round 9 Previews
Round 9 of the 2026 ANZ Premiership marks the beginning of the race for Grand Final hosting rights, with the GoSweetSpot Mystics, VIP Frames & Trusses Tactix and Ascot Park Hotel Steel all having secured their places in the 2026 Finals Series.
While the finalists are confirmed, there is still plenty at stake across the final two rounds of the regular season. The battle for top spot remains wide open, while the Stars, Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse and Avis Magic all have opportunities to influence the final ladder positions and carry momentum into the closing stages of the season.
This weekend also features significant milestones, with Magic captain Erena Mikaere set to play her 150th National League match and Mystics midcourter Katie Te Ao preparing for her 50th ANZ Premiership appearance.
Tactix v Mystics
Saturday 6 June at 4pm, Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch
A top-of-the-table clash headlines Round 9 as the second-placed Tactix host ladder leaders the Mystics in Christchurch.
The Mystics claimed a 52-43 win when the teams met earlier this season and hold an 18-12 advantage across 30 ANZ Premiership meetings.
With both teams already through to the Finals Series, this match could prove crucial in determining finishing positions over the final fortnight of the regular season.
Key points:
- The Mystics sit top of the ladder after Round 8
- The Tactix are on a 10-match home winning streak
- The Mystics are on a five-match winning run
- Katie Te Ao is set to play her 50th ANZ Premiership match.
Magic v Pulse
Saturday 6 June at 7pm, Claudelands Arena, Hamilton
The Magic return home looking to build on their breakthrough victory over the Stars when they host Pulse.
The Pulse have dominated this match-up in the ANZ Premiership era, winning 22 of 26 meetings, including a 53-45 victory in Round 1 this season.
Both teams enter the weekend on the back of confidence-boosting wins.
Key points:
- The Magic recorded their first win of the season in Round 8
- The Pulse snapped a six-match losing streak with victory over the Tactix
- Erena Mikaere is set to play her 150th National League match
- The Pulse have won all five previous ANZ Premiership matches played against the Magic at Claudelands Arena.
Stars v Steel
Sunday 7 June at 4pm, Pulman Arena, Auckland
The Steel head to Auckland looking to bounce back from their extra-time loss to the Mystics when they take on the Stars.
The rivalry could hardly be closer, with both teams winning 14 of their 28 ANZ Premiership meetings.
While the Steel have already secured a place in the Finals Series, the Stars will be looking to halt a four-match losing streak and finish the season strong in front of their home crowd.
Key points:
- The Steel have secured a place in the 2026 Finals Series
- The Stars have lost four consecutive matches after winning three of their opening four games
- The Steel have played extra time in each of their past two matches
- The Steel's strongest quarter this season has been the second quarter, losing just one across eight rounds.
Round 9 at a glance
- Saturday: VIP Frames & Trusses Tactix v GoSweetSpot Mystics (Christchurch)
- Saturday: Avis Magic v Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse (Hamilton)
- Sunday: Stars v Ascot Park Hotel Steel (Auckland)
All matches live and free on TVNZ+