New Zealand hands netball league to private operators from 2027
Netball New Zealand will hand its domestic league to entrepreneurs Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams from 2027.
From 2027, entrepreneur Anna Mowbray and her husband Ali Williams will run New Zealand's professional netball league. Ali Williams is a former All Black and Auckland FC owner.
The national body keeps control of the Silver Ferns team, player selection, pathways and grassroots sport. The move aims to bring commercial expertise and money into the competition.
The Warriors and Breakers franchises use this same model. They compete in Australian leagues while national bodies govern the sport.
Private investment brings risks. In 2025, New Zealand Rugby simplified its structure.
This was after a 2022 partnership with US investment firm Silver Lake. The netball change allows two overseas players per team.
This could lift the standard of play.
- Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams
- Entrepreneurs
- 2027
- Start date
- Former All Black, Auckland FC owner
- Ali Williams role
- Two per team
- Overseas player slots
Why it mattersPrivate management could strengthen netball's professional league and player earnings. But the experiment will test whether commercial success and local talent development can work together.
