When sporting bodies have to hand over the keys to stadiums
Netball New Zealand is considering privatizing its ANZ Premiership league to address a $6 million deficit and prevent talent loss. Industry experts argue that private investment is necessary to manage the league as a professional entertainment business.
Why it matters
Highlights the growing trend of privatizing national sporting leagues to ensure financial sustainability and professional management.
Our elite netballers are waiting to hear if their careers will be tied up with two of the country's richest people in what commentators are calling the inevitable shift to privatisation of sport in Aotearoa.
Netball New Zealand is in talks with Auckland businesswoman Anna Mowbray and her husband, former All Black Ali Williams, to take over the ANZ Premiership netball league, amid fears that the organisation's slow response will lead to an exodus of talent to other countries .
Netball NZ is facing a $6 million deficit this year and there's uncertainty that a new competition could be set up in time for next year.
Sport management executive Justin Nelson says privatisation is the only option, but it means Netball NZ will have to hand over control of the competition.
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