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FWC on Sport Nation guide‘Really scary times’: Netball champion's triumph overshadowed by uncertain landscape
Elena Abbott • June 29th, 2026 11:01 am
Mystics shooter Maia Wilson fears the future of professional netball in New Zealand | Photo: Photosport
As the Northern Mystics remain on cloud nine after winning their fourth ANZ Premiership on Saturday, the golden goal shooter fears the uncertain future of the competition.
Maia Wilson felt the win was bittersweet after 11 attempts to lift the silverware while playing for the Northern Stars before shifting to the Mystics in 2026.
The 28-year-old told Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy on Monday, “I'm just so grateful and 11 years, four times going to the big dance and finally got a ring.
“I just think it rounds out my career in a way,” she said after assisting the Mystics to beat the Southern Steel 56-46.
And while it was a cherry-on-the-top moment in her over a decade long career, the win also came at a good time considering the uncertainty of professional netball in New Zealand.
Steel's Georgia Heffernan and Mystic Michaela Sokolich-Beatson compete at the ANZ Premiership final | Photo: Photosport
With the one-year broadcast deal with TVNZ expiring, stakeholders have little security from Netball New Zealand, fearing the possibility of the competition coming to an end.
Wilson highlighted the impact the indecision has on the future of the game in New Zealand.
“The netball landscape in this country has been really shaky. It's really scary times not knowing whether we have a competition right now.
“I'm not sure where we go to from here, but we just want to play netball,” she explained.
Mystics assistant coach Rob Wright has called the lack of stability 'disgraceful', with the reigning champions recently submitting a bid to join Australia’s Super Netball competition.
Netball Australia have expressed interest in expanding the Australian league, potentially opening spots for two additional teams to join.
Maia Wilson on life off the netball court | Centre Pass
However, the priority remains for Australian teams to join the league over Kiwi franchises.
Super Netball has also pushed back developments until at least 2028, meaning Kiwi netballers could miss a season of domestic play if the Kiwi premiership doesn’t get renewed.
Wilson said netballers “need certainty from Netball NZ on giving us the fact of whether we have a competition or not.
“It doesn't just impact the professional game, this will filter down through the grassroots level.”
Listen to the full interview below:
