Introduction
In a groundbreaking move for netball enthusiasts, Sky Sports has recently announced a renewed three-year partnership with the Netball Super League (NSL). This landmark deal solidifies Sky Sports’ commitment to the sport and ensures that fans will have access to live coverage of every match throughout the season. With the NSL Season Opener just around the corner, netball fans can look forward to an exciting season filled with thrilling matches and intense competition.
Sky Sports’ Longstanding Commitment to Netball
For over 17 years, Sky Sports has been a dedicated partner of netball, continually championing the sport and providing extensive coverage to its loyal fan base. The renewed three-year partnership between Sky Sports and the NSL demonstrates the broadcaster’s unwavering commitment to netball and its desire to further promote and grow the sport.
Helen Falkus, the director of multi-sports at Sky Sports, expressed her enthusiasm for the extended partnership, stating, “Since 2006, Sky Sports has had a longstanding partnership with netball, and we are thrilled to reaffirm our commitment to the sport through this renewed three-year agreement.” The popularity of netball has soared in recent years, and Sky Sports aims to meet the evolving viewing patterns of its fans, ensuring that coverage of the NSL is accessible to a wider audience.
Extensive Coverage for Netball Super League
As part of the renewed partnership, Sky Sports will broadcast all games from the NSL Season Opener, as well as the Semi Final Play Offs and Grand Final. This comprehensive coverage will allow fans to stay engaged with the excitement and drama of the league’s most pivotal moments.
Additionally, Sky Sports will stream one game per week on their YouTube channel throughout the year. This initiative aims to provide free access to the UK’s elite-level netball competition, ensuring that fans can enjoy the action from the comfort of their homes. The games will also be available on the Sky Sports website and app, further enhancing accessibility.
Expanded Accessibility through Digital Platforms
Recognizing the changing viewing habits of netball fans, Sky Sports has made strategic partnerships to align with these trends. With 75% of the NSL’s TV audience watching on digital platforms, the agreement with Sky Sports ensures that netball coverage will be available on YouTube, catering to the preferences of younger audiences.
Moreover, one game per round will be broadcast on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app, allowing fans to catch their favorite teams in action. This collaboration with the BBC will significantly increase the visibility of the NSL, both domestically and internationally. Fans from around the world will also have the opportunity to watch all the games from the opening week, two games per regular round, the Play Offs, and the Grand Final on NetballPass.
Netball Super League’s Milestone Moment
Claire Nelson, the managing director of the Netball Super League, expressed her excitement about the renewed partnership with Sky Sports. She described it as a “hugely important milestone” that will enable the league to showcase the sport to a wider audience than ever before. This partnership presents an incredible opportunity for the NSL, its clubs, and players to satisfy the growing appetite for netball.
As the NSL continues its journey towards professionalization, Nelson emphasized the importance of delivering innovation in how fans consume and experience netball. The extended partnership with Sky Sports not only unlocks unprecedented visibility for the league but also ensures that netball remains at the forefront of innovative sports broadcasting.
Ambitions for Global Expansion
The NSL has ambitious plans for the future, aiming to make every game of the league accessible worldwide by 2025. With this objective in mind, the partnership with Sky Sports represents a significant step towards achieving this goal. Netball fans worldwide will soon be able to enjoy the excitement of the NSL, regardless of their location.
Nelson further emphasized that the league remains committed to providing innovative viewing experiences for fans. By aligning with changing viewing habits, such as digital platforms and partnerships with broadcasters like Sky Sports, the NSL aims to engage younger audiences and ensure the long-term growth and popularity of netball.
Off The Court: A Glimpse into Netball’s Stars
To further engage netball enthusiasts, Sky Sports has launched a brand-new netball podcast called “Off The Court.” Hosted by former England international and coach Tamsin Greenway, the podcast features in-depth discussions with the biggest names in netball. Listeners can gain unique insights into the lives of netball stars, both on and off the court. The podcast is available on Spotify and can be enjoyed alongside the live-streamed games.