New faces, fierce rivalries and free-to-air coverage set to ignite the new season

Plenty of player movement is set to add extra intrigue to the start of the 2026 ANZ Premiership, with a new-look Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse kicking off the season at home against the AVIS Magic in the opening match of the draw confirmed today.

New Zealand’s next generation of talent will take centre stage alongside some familiar faces in fresh colours, adding spice to long-standing rivalries when the country’s elite domestic league begins on Saturday 11 April.

The 2026 ANZ Premiership will once again feature two full rounds played across a thrilling 10-week season, comprising 30 round-robin matches before culminating in a two-game Finals Series in June. In an exciting change for fans, every match will now be played over the weekend — two on Saturday and one on Sunday — with all games broadcast live and free-to-air exclusively on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 2.

Defending champions VIP Frames & Trusses Tactix will not only be chasing back-to-back titles but will also christen a new home venue, taking to the court at Christchurch’s Parakiore Sports Centre for the first time in Round 6, when they host the Magic. Their remaining home fixtures will continue to be played at Wolfbrook Arena.

Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Jennie Wyllie said fans could expect another fiercely contested season, with every match carrying crucial importance.

“We saw the level of netball lift last season, with teams knowing that every pass and every point mattered. The added bonus for 2026 is that every New Zealander will be able to experience that intensity live and free-to-air on TVNZ,” she said.

“The rule innovations introduced this year brought a new energy to the game, and with strong viewing numbers and fantastic crowds, fans made it clear they loved what they saw. We can’t wait to see which players seize their moment in 2026.”

“The ANZ Premiership showcases our phenomenal female athletes excelling in their sport, and we’re counting down to that first whistle to kick off a thrilling season. With every match exclusively on Te Reo Tatāki in 2026, fans can look forward to high-octane weekends of netball live and free” added Melodie Robinson, TVNZ's Head of Sports, Events, & Partnerships.

Each team will again host five home games during the regular season as they chase a coveted Finals Series berth and the chance to secure home advantage for the playoffs.

Comprehensive coverage of the ANZ Premiership will feature across TVNZ+, TVNZ 2, and the ANZ Premiership website and social channels, ensuring fans won’t miss a moment of the action.

View the full AVIS Magic draw here.