The Netball Super League reaches new heights

This weekend saw round 10 of the Netball Super League (NSL) take place with four unmissable matches that saw the League continue to grow bigger and bolder on its journey to professionalisation. 

From new arenas to VIP guests and nail-biting extra-time games, the Netball Super League went bigger and better than ever before in round 10. 

As League-leaders London Pulse took on reigning champions Loughborough Lightning, the NSL hosted an exclusive pre-match hospitality event where VIP guests and brands from the commercial, media, and sporting landscape gathered to connect and celebrate the power of the NSL before enjoying an incredible game of elite netball live from courtside seats at the Copper Box Arena. 

Held against the beautiful backdrop of The Stratford hotel, commercial partners of the League including Gilbert, Collection Cosmetics and Soft & Gentle all activated at the event. Gilbert even supplied a painting station where adults and children alike could have a go at designing their own version of Sophie Tea’s beautiful 2025 NSL match ball. TRIP drinks were also in attendance, generously providing guests with a refreshing, calming drink to enjoy on the day, whilst Pitch International treated guests to notepads and lip balms to take home.

Image: Eva Gilbert

Among our VIP guests were two stars of women’s sport, Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE and Mary Earps MBE. A former England cricket star and now a Non-Executive Director at the England and Wales Cricket Board as well as a commentator, Ebony’s influence in women’s sport stretches far and wide. Sat courtside for the London Pulse game, she showed her support for the NSL’s formidable athletes, even trying her hand at (and scoring!) a Soft & Gentle Super Shot during the quarter break after some coaching tips from BBC’s The Apprentice and ex-Loughborough Lightning star Flo Edwards. Joining Ebony and Flo on court was Lionesses legend Mary Earps MBE who headed straight from supporting one women’s spot to another, making her way to the Copper Box after watching the Women’s FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. 

Image: Eva Gilbert

Speaking to Sky Sports at half time about why she wanted to watch a live NSL game, Earps said: “This is my first ever women’s netball game, I used to play netball at school so it’s really fun to come down today, I’ve obviously come from the FA Cup final and I think it’s really important that we all support each other so I’m really happy to be here.” 

She went on to say: “I’m trying to be more present at these events. For the different tournaments, but also for different games like this, different environments. And you also learn a lot about how different sports do it and I get to meet great people, so [it’s] a lot of fun.” 

Netball Super League fans will have seen content from Earps and Rainford-Brent’s visit across the NSL and Sky Sports’ social channels, demonstrating the powerful impact of female athletes coming together to boost profiles and visibility as women’s sport continues to rise. 

Elsewhere in round 10, Manchester Thunder made a significant statement as they hosted their second arena game of the season, this time at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. Bringing netball back to the arena for the first time since the 2019 Netball World Cup, Manchester Thunder created an unmissable event day experience for fans with elevated sports presentation, a warm-up match featuring Thunder Men’s and Mixed team, and a star-studded line-up of entertainment acts. 

Image: Harry Collins

LexisNexis Cardiff Dragons hosted Nottingham Forest in a game that saw the fifth-place team secure another all-important three points, pushing them ever closer to that top four position they are striving for. Nottingham Forest Netball Head Coach Chelsea Pitman celebrated by attending BBC Sport’s ‘Summer of Women’s Sport’ launch event at Wembley ahead of the Women’s FA Cup Final. Meeting and networking with influential figures from the worlds of sport, media and entertainment, Pitman and England Netball CEO Fran Connolly brought netball’s voice to these important discussions, ensuring our League remains seen and heard at a critical time for the growth of women’s sport. 

Image: BBC Sport

London Mavericks’ extra time finish against NIC Leeds Rhinos also showed fans just what the new era of the NSL is all about, after a dramatic draw delivered another epic extra-time battle for fans to enjoy. The addition of extra-time was one of a series of innovations that the NSL introduced ahead of the relaunched 2025 season, and round 10 demonstrated exactly why, giving fans more edge-of-your-seat moments and proving that you never know which side could take the win until the final whistle. 

From magical on-court moments to stories of innovation and boundaries being pushed beyond the court that continue to grow the visibility of our sport, this weekend was certainly one to remember for the Netball Super League. 

The Netball Super League Grand Final will be held at The O2 on 6 July for the first time ever. Get your tickets to experience live elite netball in the capital!