There are rumours in the world of netball that New Zealand are readying to end their association with Netball Australia and the trans-Tasman competition.
They are only rumours, but they are strong.
New Zealand netball has a lucrative broadcast deal, while Australia relies on a government grant to cover broadcasting costs.
However Australia has more talented players, some of whom cannot get a start in a top-tier team as spots are taken by New Zealand players and teams.
Netball Australia claim that the relationship between themselves and Netball New Zealand is strong as ever as they move forward with plans to introduce three new Australian teams into the competition from 2017. It has been suggested New Zealand drop a team to accommodate the extra Aussie sides.
However the introduction of new teams will hinge on Netball Australia securing their own broadcasting deal.
Competition expansion is not the worst idea, but it will be a lopsided competition, and New Zealand teams will find it even more difficult to take out the title.
Ultimately, both nations need each other. TV, New Zealand will never evolve without playing against the best players in the world, while Netball Australia can’t reach the maximum audience without New Zealand’s broadcasting rights.
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