Channel Nine, Telstra sign Netball Australia broadcast deal
Netball Australia has hailed as "the most complete broadcast deal for women's sport globally" its new five-year alliance with the Nine Network and Telstra, as it confirmed Collingwood as one of three preferred new licence holders for the eight-team national league to replace the ANZ Championship next year. 
The other two franchises will be owned and operated by Netball NSW, in a "strategic alliance" with the GWS Giants, and the Melbourne Storm, who will operate their Queensland-based team in conjunction with the University of the Sunshine Coast.
The broadcasting deal provides for two games each week to be aired live on free-to-air TV, with live streaming and delayed television for all games from 2017. The league is yet to be named, and further details are yet to be revealed, but higher wages for players who are currently semi-professional are assured.
"This is the most significant broadcasting rights agreement in the history of Australian women's sport," NA chief executive Kate Palmer said.
"It is truly transformative," she said. "It lays the foundation for the full professionalisation of elite netball and the cementing of Australia's reputation as having the prime netball competition in the world.
"At the grass roots, it will encourage participation and allow girls and young women to realise their dream of a career in netball."
Under the broadcasting agreement, the 60-game season will start in   February, with two live games and two delayed games to be played as a prime-time, Saturday night double-header on the Nine Network. The remaining two live games will be available on Telstra TV on a day to be specified.
The Fast5 Netball World Series, to be held in Melbourne in   October, will be the first event to be broadcast under the new agreements with Nine and Telstra. The deal wil also cover the Constellation Cup series against New Zealand and Quad Series games.
"This is a red-letter day for netball and women's sport," said Australian Sports commission chair John Wylie. "Together with recent developments in cricket and football, these are the dividends of a long struggle for proper recognition of women's team sports. I have no doubt the audiences will flock to the new competition. Netball is ready for the big stage."