Netball Super League inks Broadcast Deal with Sky Sports and BBC
The UK’s esteemed Netball Super League (NSL) has entered into a transformative broadcast partnership, solidifying agreements with Sky Sports and the BBC. This deal enhances accessibility for netball enthusiasts nationwide.
Under the renewed partnership, Sky Sports has secured exclusive rights to broadcast all NSL games over the next three years, including the highly anticipated semi-final playoffs and grand final. In addition, Sky Sports will feature one game from each regular round on its YouTube channel, providing fans with convenient access to thrilling netball action.
Complementing Sky Sports’ coverage, the BBC has committed to airing one game per round during the regular season for the next two years. These matches will be available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app, ensuring widespread coverage and engagement across various platforms.
For fans outside the UK, the Netball Super League will be accessible via the NetballPass over-the-top (OTT) platform, offering a seamless viewing experience regardless of geographical location.
This new agreement builds upon the NSL’s previous partnership with Sky Sports, established in 2021 and described as the largest deal in England Netball’s history at the time. The timing of this latest partnership is particularly opportune, following the record-breaking 2023 Netball World Cup, during which England Netball reported a significant surge in social media following.
“As we journey to professionalisation, we remain completely committed to delivering innovation in terms of how fans consume and experience netball, and now with BBC Sport joining Sky Sports as our trusted partners, we’re not only unlocking unprecedented visibility for the league but also continuing to ensure that netball remains at the forefront of innovative sports broadcasting,” said Claire Nelson, Managing Director of the NSL.
“With 75 per cent of our TV audience watching on digital platforms, it’s these partnerships that will align with the changing viewing habits of our younger audiences.
“We have huge ambitions for the league as part of our plans around professionalisation, and this is an important step ahead of 2025 where our aim is that every game will be broadcast everywhere around the world so that anybody can watch any game however and wherever they want to. For this season, I’d encourage all fans to tune in, or show up, let’s get behind our clubs and witness all the incredible drama and excitement that the NSL has to offer.”
The 2024 NSL campaign is set to kick off on February 17, with the BBC’s coverage commencing on 24th February. The inaugural match will feature defending champions Loughborough Lightning taking on Team Bath in what promises to be a riveting encounter.
