NETBALL SUPER LEAGUE REVEALS DETAIL OF THE NEW U23 FEEDER LEAGUE

Fixtures and squad line-ups as well as the new brand identity for the newly named NXT Gen League will be revealed today

The Netball Super League (NSL) has today revealed further information regarding the U23 feeder League that was announced as part of the wider plans ahead of next season. Confirmed as the NXT Gen League, the competition has been developed to deliver extended opportunities for emerging talent, nurture and develop the next generation of world class players and provide a pipeline of talent for the
NSL.

The League will feature nine teams in total. Eight teams will be aligned to the new NSL Clubs: Birmingham Panthers, Cardiff Dragons, Leeds Rhinos, London Mavericks, London Pulse, Loughborough Lightning, Manchester Thunder and Nottingham Forest Netball. In addition, an invitation to participate was extended to Team Bath.

Fixtures for the NXT Gen League have been announced, whilst the squad line-ups will be revealed across the individual Clubs’ social media channels throughout the course of the day. Each squad will have a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 20 players.

The League will begin in February 2025 and will see all nine teams play each other twice in a home and away format to find a national winner, with fixtures aligned to NSL matches where possible. With its own distinctive brand identity, the NXT Gen League will be closely interconnected with the NSL but will exist as a standalone competition.

Eligibility for the competition is for athletes under 23 years, however squads can include up to four players over the age of 23 years to support and enhance the quality of the competition, whilst protecting opportunities for developing athletes. These players are likely to have previously played in the NSL but not have been signed as a registered player for the 2025 season. They may also be players over the age of 23 returning from pregnancy or injury, or players that Clubs believe will support the competition and environment for the NXT Gen League.

Players registered within the NXT Gen League will be eligible, providing they meet the eligibility criteria, to act as a Temporary Replacement Player (TRP) for their Club’s NSL squad, in instances where one of the ten Registered NSL players are not available for selection due to Short Term Circumstances. In this instance, players will receive a match fee alongside payment for any additional training requirements during their time as a TRP. Players for Team Bath are also eligible to be TRPs for an NSL Club, however once they have been a TRP for one NSL Club, that is the only Club they can step up for.

Discussing the launch of the NXT Gen League, Managing Director of the NSL Claire Nelson said: “We are delighted to launch this innovative new League that will underpin the relaunched NSL in 2025. With a bold new name and brand, this competition will see some of the country’s most talented developing players take to court where they will proudly represent their club colours, competing week in, week out and developing vital experience along the way.

“As we look to build the NSL to create the most competitive, captivating and commercially vibrant netball League in the world, we are committed to ensuring that there is a clear and well-supported pathway for young athletes who will one day become the future stars of the NSL. The NXT Gen League will provide elite quality competition in supportive environments that will prepare developing athletes to take the next step in their netball careers, whilst also enabling them to learn from more experienced athletes.”

The full fixture list for the 2025 NXT Gen League can be viewed here.

More information about broadcast plans for this League will be shared in due course. 

For more information on the NXT Gen League and the NSL please visit www.netballsl.com.

Tickets for the home and away rounds of the NXT Gen League will be available to purchase from the specific Clubs’ websites.