ANZ backs new NZ Elite Netball League

ANZ and Netball New Zealand today announced that ANZ will continue its commitment to the advancement of netball as sponsor of New Zealand’s new ANZ Netball Elite League for the next three years.

ANZ has been Principal Sponsor of the ANZ Championship for its nine years of competition since 2008, helping to build the elite pathway for players to the international level.

The new ANZ Netball Elite League will replace the ANZ Championship in New Zealand from next season, with a triple round robin featuring the current five New Zealand teams plus a new team based in the greater Auckland area.

ANZ also supports local netball communities through the ANZ Grant Scheme, through which it has awarded over $500,000 in grants over the past five years. More than 500 clubs and school teams across New Zealand have benefited.

“ANZ, and before it the National Bank, has been a proud supporter of netball from the grassroots to the elite level for 15 years. It’s part of our commitment to supporting communities and the things Kiwis are passionate about. Netball is New Zealand’s No 1 female sport, and is followed by 1.3 million Kiwis,” said ANZ New Zealand Chief Executive David Hisco.

“We now look forward to being part of the game’s exciting future. This new sponsorship will promote netball’s profile and continuing advancement in this country and support a pathway for the development of future Silver Ferns.”

Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Jennie Wyllie said: “Netball New Zealand has been working closely with ANZ to create the world’s most intensely fought, captivating and innovative female sports league, featuring the world’s best players.

“We are genuinely excited about the new-look competition and believe it is the best step forward for Netball in New Zealand. This is an important focus for New Zealand to strengthen performance pathways and increase quality of players, coaches and officials.

“New Zealand’s new league will continue to provide opportunities for Kiwis to play at the elite level.”

The new competition will see teams playing 15 round robin games, including Super Sundays featuring all six teams in action at the same venue, before culminating in a two-game Finals Series with the top three. This means more matches in New Zealand, and more clashes between New Zealand teams that will build the local rivalry.

All games will be broadcast live on SKY and played on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Sunday afternoon games will be at a family-friendly time, which has proved successful in 2016 from an attendance and viewership perspective while Monday night Netball will return, along with the addition of a brand new timeslot on Wednesday nights.