Netball eligibility linked to new NZ domestic league

(Photosport)

While Mystics training looked normal this morning, over at Netball New Zealand CEO Hilary Poole was announcing change.

The trans-Tasman competition has been dumped for a new six-team domestic league.

There'll be a second Auckland team, and they'll play a triple round competition, with Sunday afternoons, and Monday and Wednesday night games that don't clash with rugby.

The breakup seems amicable enough to still be friends though, with a short Champions League with Australia to find out who is best.

But it seems the two countries haven't split their possessions equally.

New Zealand has a five-year broadcast deal, with all games live. Local games have always rated higher in New Zealand and the new league will feature more derby matches for fans to enjoy.

The new eight-team Australian competition only has two live games that'll compete on Saturday nights with the other sporting codes.

So while the Aussies have won seven of eight ANZ Championships, New Zealand's stronger fan base creates more security for the teams.

Even though the three new Australian franchises will be run by cashed up AFL and NRL teams, the Kiwi players association doesn't expect many to join Laura Langman playing over the Tasman.

Langman has special exemption to the rule that SIlver Ferns have to play for a side in New Zealand.

It seems even after the breakup, being faithful might pay off for Kiwi netballers.

Newshub.

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