NETBALL SUPER LEAGUE REVEALS DETAIL OF THE NEW U23 FEEDER LEAGUE

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 the 2025 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.

Discussing the launch of the NXT Gen League, Managing Director of the NSL Claire Nelsonsaid: “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.”

Fixtures and squad line-ups as well as the new brand identity for the newly named NXT Gen League will be revealed across the course of the day, so read on to find out everything that you need to know.

Which teams will be competing in the NXT Gen League?

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.

Who is in each squad? 

Each squad will have a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 20 players. Squad line-ups will be revealed across the individual Clubs’ social media channels throughout the course of the day. Make sure you’re following each of the Clubs so that you don’t miss any of the announcements!

When does the NXT Gen League start?

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.

Fixtures for the NXT Gen League can be found here.

Who is eligible to play in the NXT Gen League?

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.

Can NXT Gen League athletes play in the NSL?

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.

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