KEY POINTS:
Netball is on the brink of a radical transformation, with a trans-Tasman competition bankrolled by cable television about to be unveiled.
Leading players from New Zealand and Australia are likely to be the major beneficiaries from the broadcasting deal between Sky TV and Fox Sports as netball joins
rugby, rugby league, soccer and basketball as sports boasting trans-Tasman competitions.
Netball New Zealand (NNZ), its Australian counterpart and Sky remain tightlipped on the revamp although an announcement could be made within a month.
Reports last weekend stole some thunder from any announcement, with the Sunday News newspaper revealing the competition will involve 10 franchises -- five sides from each country.
The competition, which effectively supersedes the domestic National Bank Cup, is expected to start next year.
The Sunday News reported the broadcasting deal would be worth $1.5 million a year to Netball New Zealand and Netball Australia and guarantees primetime television slots through 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Teams from Auckland, Waikato, Wellington, Canterbury and a combined Otago-Southland side will represent New Zealand while Commonwealth Bank Trophy teams the Sydney Swifts, Queensland Firebirds, Adelaide Thunderbirds, Melbourne Phoenix and Perth Orioles are the favoured franchises to represent Australia.
Although much of the broadcasting money is expected to finance the competition, including significant travel costs, Silver Ferns are also likely to cash in with additional sponsors potentially enabling them to become fulltime professionals.
A trans-Tasman competition has been under consideration since a review of the National Bank Cup was undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Three options were canvassed: revamping the Cup and Australia's Commonwealth Bank Trophy, maintain both competitions and have a trans-Tasman final between the winners, or form a new trans-Tasman competition.
Netball New Zealand (NNZ) would not comment on the reports but, via a statement, today confirmed the organisation "is in negotiations to finalise details of the shape of the enhanced elite competition for 2008".
"Due to commercial sensitivities NNZ is unable to comment on further detail."
NNZ said an announcement on the new competition format was expected in mid-March.
Meanwhile, the Canterbury Flames welcomed the prospect of a trans-Tasman competition.
"It's about time. They've been talking about this for six years," coach Marg Foster said.
- NZPA
