window opens for 2027 signing period, new CPA reached, longer deals, when can players sign in Super Netball, dates, details, what does it mean

Super Netball’s signing spree can officially begin, after confirmation a new Player Agreement had been reached on Wednesday.

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That means all 80 full-time contracts on offer at the eight Super Netball clubs can now be filled – and there’s some big names reportedly on their way to Australia.

Under the new agreement, for the first time in Super Netball history players can sign multi-year deals for as long as five years (until the end of 2031) in a show of remarkable job security for our top athletes.

So when does the signing period begin and what does the new CPA mean? We break it down.

WHEN WILL PLAYERS BE SIGNED?

With the new Collective Player Agreement signed on Wednesday, the Super Netball contract signing window is officially open for business.

That means all eight clubs can now re-sign players on their list from 2026.

And at the moment, that’s all they can officially offer until Sunday, August 16. But Netball Australia has confirmed clubs can also currently “make non-binding letters of offer to players from other Super Netball clubs and non-SN players”.

Sp basically they can lock in athletes with a verbal agreement – and then have to wait until that next signing windown opens.

RELATED:Confirmed Super Netball contract changes for 2027

Should an athlete opt to make a shift of clubs or join Super Netball for the first time, those signatures can only come between Monday, August 17 and Friday, August 28 when the window officially closes and all club lists need to be submitted.

“Players signed during this period will finalise each team’s contracted squads of 10 for 2027,” a NA spokesperson said.

WHAT HAPPENS TO TRAINING PARTNERS?

A secondary signing window will open after that final August 28 deadline for athletes looking to fight their way into a train-play role in Super Netball in 2027.

From Sunday, August 29 and up until just four weeks out from the first game of the 2027 season, all eight clubs can nominate and sign training partners.

WHAT DOES THE NEW CPA MEAN?

Basically, more money for the players in the game.

But it’s worth noting this remains a “12-month bridging agreement to the CPA” that has been agreed between Netball Australia, the Super Netball clubs and the Australian Netball Players’ Association (ANPA).

Under the improved conditions, players will get:

– A 4% increase to the player salary cap;

– A 25% increase to the minimum salary to align with Australia’s National Minimum Wage;

– A 25% increase to the 11th player salary;

– A 4% increase to the Training Partner honorarium;

– Additional time off through condensing hours for club commitments that will free up an additional two weeks of time off per year;

– An increase in meal allowance to $75 per day;

– Increased private health insurance;

– Greater ability to secure their own individual sponsorship deals;

– A one-off payment on the signing of a commercial partner for the Super Netball league; and

– The ability to sign playing contracts up to 2031.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

Now, the eight Super Netball clubs officially get to work getting those deals out as quickly as possible.

And it’s perfect timing to cash in on the Commonwealth Games form of international athletes – and at a time where New Zealand’s top athletes are available while their domestic competition stalls.

“This agreement is an important step forward for our clubs and our athletes as we look ahead to an exciting new chapter for Super Netball,” Netball QLD CEO Kate Davies said on behalf of the Super Netball teams.

“The improvements to player pay and conditions recognise the incredible contribution our athletes make to the success of the competition, while providing the certainty clubs need to prepare for the 2027 season.

“The collaborative approach taken throughout these negotiations reflects the shared goal of our clubs and Netball Australia to ensure Super Netball remains the world’s leading netball competition and continues to thrive for the long term.

“We know there is more work ahead, but the stronger we make the competition together, the more we can deliver for players, clubs and everyone who loves our game.”

“Our players are the heart and soul of our game, and they are the reason Super Netball is recognised as the world’s best netball competition – this agreement reflects that value and our commitment to growing the sport together,” NA Chair Liz Ellis added.

“There are exciting opportunities ahead for netball, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work hand in hand with our players to grow the game, create even more opportunities and ensure they share in the success of netball’s next chapter.”

BUT WHAT COMES NEXT?

Given it’s only a 12-month bridging agreement signed on Wednesday, there’s still plenty of work to be done between Netball Australia, the ANPA and the Super Netball clubs.

And in the player sights remains a revenue share model – which they have been fighting for in recent years.

“The improvements in the latest CPA are important for the players and the game,” ANPA Director Tara Hinchliffe said.

“We were asked to sign a one-year deal and defer our plans for a new revenue share model this time around, and we’ve done that.

“NA and the Teams have responded with improvements in conditions and wages which we welcome.

“We’re incredibly proud of how the playing group have united and represented one another throughout the process.

“But the hard work really begins now because the next CPA has to deliver a modern revenue share model to grow the game for everyone.”

“While this CPA provides certainty for 2027, our attention now turns to the next negotiation,” ANPA CEO Kathryn Harby-Williams added.

“The next CPA provides the opportunity for the game to recognise players through a genuine revenue-sharing model, a long-term agreement and remuneration that better reflects the value players create for the sport.

“The players have done the right thing by the sport throughout these negotiations. It will be important the sport reciprocates next time.”