The Netball Super League is back in 2024, and fans are eagerly awaiting the start of another thrilling season. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the upcoming season, including key dates, teams, format, and how to watch the matches live on Sky Sports. So, let’s dive in and explore all the exciting details about the Netball Super League 2024.
When is the 2024 Netball Super League season?
The 2024 Netball Super League season is set to kick off on February 17 and will run until the Grand Final on June 29. The season will feature a total of 10 teams battling it out for the championship title.
All 10 teams will be in action on the opening day, with five back-to-back games taking place at the Nottingham Arena. It promises to be a thrilling start to the season, with fans eagerly anticipating the return of their favorite teams.
Who are the defending champions?
The reigning champions of the Netball Super League are Loughborough Lightning. They clinched their second title in the 2023 season, defeating **** London Pulse in the Grand Final. Loughborough Lightning will undoubtedly be a team to watch as they aim to defend their title in the upcoming season.
Manchester Thunder finished third in the previous season, with Surrey Storm securing the fourth spot. These teams will also be looking to make their mark and challenge for the championship in 2024.
Netball Super League 2024 Teams
The 2024 Netball Super League will feature the following 10 teams:
- Loughborough Lightning
- London Pulse
- Manchester Thunder
- Surrey Storm
- Saracens Mavericks
- Severn Stars
- Leeds Rhinos
- Strathclyde Sirens
- Team Bath
- Celtic Dragons
Each team will compete against each other twice, once at home and once away, resulting in 18 rounds of fixtures throughout the season.
Netball Super League Format
The Netball Super League follows a round-robin format, with each team playing every other team twice. In each match, three points are awarded for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a loss. The teams will battle it out over 18 rounds, culminating in the top four teams progressing to the Finals series.
After the final league fixtures on June 15, the top four sides will compete in the Play Off semi-finals. The winners of the semi-finals will then face off in the Grand Final on June 29 to determine the Super League champions.
How to Watch Netball Super League on Sky Sports
If you’re a netball fan, you won’t want to miss a single moment of the Netball Super League action. Sky Sports will be broadcasting all the excitement, ensuring you can catch all the games live.
The opening weekend of the season will see all five games broadcast on Sky Sports Mix and the Sky Sports YouTube channel. The first three games will also be available on Sky Sports Arena. In addition, the Play Off semi-finals and Grand Final will be shown on Sky Sports Arena.
Throughout the season, one game from each regular round will be shown on Sky Sports YouTube, the Sky Sports website, and the Sky Sports app. This ensures that fans can enjoy the matches from the comfort of their own homes or on the go.
Here are the confirmed games that will be shown on Sky Sports’ YouTube channel:
- R2: Saturday Feb 24 – Saracens Mavericks vs Leeds Rhinos
- R3: Friday March 1 – London Pulse v Loughborough Lightning
- R4: Friday March 8 – Severn Stars v Manchester Thunder
- R5: Friday March 15 – Manchester Thunder v Surrey Storm
- R6: Friday March 22 – Leeds Rhinos v London Pulse
- R7: Friday March 29 – Strathclyde Sirens v Loughborough Lightning
- R8: Sunday April 7 – Saracens Mavericks vs Manchester Thunder
- R9: Friday April 12 – Team Bath vs Cardiff Dragons
In addition to live coverage, netball fans can also engage with their favorite stars through the brand-new Sky Sports’ netball podcast “Off The Court.” Hosted by former England international and coach Tamsin Greenway, the podcast features in-depth discussions with the biggest names in netball.
Mentor’s Return to England
One of the most exciting stories of the Netball Super League 2024 is the return of Geva Mentor to England. Mentor, who spent 15 years in Australia playing in the ANZ Championship and Suncorp Super Netball, has joined Leeds Rhinos.
Mentor previously played a pivotal role in Team Bath’s inaugural year, winning the title alongside some of the league’s most iconic players. Her return to the Super League brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Rhinos’ squad.
Leeds Rhinos will also benefit from the addition of experienced Malawian International Joyce Mvula, who previously played in the Super League for Manchester Thunder. With Mentor and Mvula in their ranks, the Rhinos will be looking to elevate their performance and compete at the highest level.
Notable Transfers and Signings
Several other teams have made significant transfers and signings ahead of the Netball Super League 2024. Here are some notable additions to the squads:
- London Pulse has welcomed Nichole Taljaard from South Africa, who will be playing in her first Netball Super League season.
- Surrey Storm has signed Uganda International Haniisha Muhameed, who impressed at the Nations Cup and last year’s World Cup.
- Saracens Mavericks have secured the services of Emma Thacker, who played a crucial role in Loughborough Lightning’s title-winning campaign in 2023.
- Severn Stars have added young defender Jas Brown and South African International Lefebre Rademan to their roster.
- Strathclyde Sirens have brought in Millie Sanders and South African International Sesandile Owethu Ngubane, who made her international debut at the Netball World Cup.
These transfers and signings are sure to add firepower and depth to the respective teams, making the competition even more intense.