Where to watch the NSL: Preliminary Final

Winners of the Minor Semi-Final, Manchester Thunder, will take on losers of the Major Semi-Final, Loughborough Lightning, in a winner-takes-all battle to determine who will be joining London Pulse in the 2025 Grand Final at The O2 on 6 July. Tickets for the Grand Final are selling fast; you can get yours here. 

Read on below to find out where to watch the Preliminary Final, and the key players you should be looking out for. 

Preliminary Final: Loughborough Lightning vs Manchester Thunder – Sunday 29 June, FCP 16:30, Sir David Wallace Arena 

Reigning champions Loughborough Lightning take on four-time NSL champions Manchester Thunder on Sunday in the Preliminary Final, reigniting a classic NSL rivalry. There is an abundance of history between these two sides, not least the fact that this game will be a rematch of the 2024 Grand Final in which Loughborough Lightning claimed the title. With only one space at the 2025 Grand Final remaining, this is bound to be a battle of grit, passion and heart, and fans can expect to see both sides leave it all on the court as they fight to keep their season alive. 

Loughborough Lightning player to watch: Nat Panagarry has captained Loughborough Lightning to all three of their NSL victories and will be determined to lead her team to their fifth consecutive NSL Grand Final with a win in this game. Panagarry brings energy, passion and leadership to the court with relentless defensive pressure and strong attacking drives. Her performance will be critical to Loughborough’s chances in this all-important match. 

Manchester Thunder player to watch: Lois Pearson made her return to court following injury in round 14 and quickly proved how important she is to Manchester Thunder’s attacking line-up. Pearson’s agility and precision on court enabled her to slot seamlessly back into the North West side and at times it looked like she’d never been away. Providing a point of difference to Thunder's attacking style throughout the season, could Pearson be the secret weapon that gets them across the line in this game? 

Where to watch: This game will be broadcast on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports YouTube, with build-up coverage starting at 4pm. 

International viewers can watch on NetballPass.  

You can buy tickets to watch live here.  

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