Netball SA CEO Adam Brooke gives update on professional league plans

Brooke says the project is much further advanced than many people realise, with discussions around sponsorship, player salaries and support staff remuneration already under way.

He revealed that NSA is targeting an early pilot phase next year as part of the build-up towards a full launch, but stressed that creating a sustainable professional league cannot happen overnight. 

"I think we need to be careful in what we promise or say we will deliver. In relation to a professional league, we are still a long way away, but a semi-professional league is something we can commit ourselves to over the next 12-18 months.

"We've had commitment from one of our sponsors on that semi-pro league already, and I think it's going to be a step up compared to what we have delivered before."

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While he did not want to reveal all the details of the ongoing negotiations with NSA’s partners, Brooke confirmed that the proposed semi-professional league is expected to feature eight teams.

Players will receive salaries for the duration of the competition, while coaches and support staff will also be compensated. 

Brooke was also asked about the promises made by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi regarding a new permanent home for Netball South Africa.

Ramaphosa previously indicated that NSA should have its own headquarters instead of continuing to rent office space in Tshwane, while Lesufi pledged to assist with land for the project.

"We've had a number of discussions with the deputy minister of sport around netball in South Africa, and I've also spoken to a few highly influential individuals and sponsors and they all like our vision and where we want to take Netball.

"I can't say anything on the promises made by other people, but we have started to utilise a number of other facilities although we still have our office located in Pretoria."

Brooke, who took over from Modiegi Komane as NSA CEO in March, says one of his key priorities is securing new commercial partners.

He confirmed that NSA is working to replace sponsors whose agreements have ended, including Renault, and expressed confidence that the federation remains an attractive product for potential investors.