The calendar for the 2027 Netball Super League has now been unveiled, with the opening showcase event – the Netball Super Cup – slated for February 27 at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena. This one‑day extravaganza, which brings together all eight clubs from the league, will once again serve as the curtain‑raiser for the upcoming season, offering fans a condensed taste of the high‑octane netball action that lies ahead. Defending champions AO Thunder will kick off their campaign with a marquee clash against Loughborough Lightning on Friday, March 5.
The match promises to be a true test of mettle for both sides, as Thunder look to assert their dominance after last season’s triumph, while Lightning aim to bounce back from missing the 2026 league final and reclaim their status among the elite. Also on the opening night, Nottingham Forest will face off against the Birmingham Panthers, ensuring that the inaugural fixtures deliver a balanced mix of rivalry and excitement across the board.
The Netball Super Cup, introduced in 2025, is designed as a single‑day festival that showcases the full slate of Super League teams in a single venue. This year marks a historic moment for the event, as it travels to Nottingham for the first time since its inception.
The Motorpoint Arena, with its modern facilities and central location, is expected to provide an ideal stage for the sport’s growing audience, delivering a vibrant atmosphere that highlights the league’s ambition to reach new fans. Loughborough Lightning, who entered the 2026 season as the reigning Super Cup champions but fell short of a league final berth, will be defending their title on home‑ish ground in the heart of the Midlands. The team will be eager to demonstrate that their previous cup success was no fluke and that they can translate that momentum into a strong league start. All eight clubs will be looking to secure early points and confidence, knowing that a solid opening stretch can set the tone for the long haul of the 2027 campaign.
One of the notable features of the 2027 schedule is the re‑introduction of double‑header fixtures. Four double‑headers have been slotted throughout the season, offering fans the opportunity to watch two matches back‑to‑back at the same venue.
This format not only maximizes stadium utilization but also enhances the spectator experience by delivering a full day of high‑quality netball, encouraging greater attendance and media coverage. Ian Holloway, the Netball Super League’s Competitions Director, expressed his enthusiasm for the newly released fixtures.
"It’s incredibly exciting to reveal our 2027 fixtures as momentum continues to build towards the third season of the new era of the Netball Super League," he said. Holloway highlighted the strategic changes implemented over the past two years, noting that bold reforms have spurred unprecedented growth for the competition.
"Over the past two years we’ve made a number of bold changes, and the incredible growth that our league has experienced since has demonstrated the power and potential that we know exists within our sport," he added. Holloway also emphasized the league’s commitment to providing larger, more prestigious platforms for its athletes. "We’re continuing to provide bigger and better platforms for our inspirational female athletes to perform on, fuelling the growth of the league and ensuring netball remains firmly at the heart of the growth of women’s sport," he explained. This focus on visibility and professional development aligns with broader initiatives to elevate women’s sport across the UK, positioning the Netball Super League as a flagship competition that showcases talent, athleticism, and competitive spirit.
The 2027 season promises to be a pivotal chapter for the league, as clubs aim to build on the foundations laid in previous years while navigating a more demanding schedule that includes the return of double‑headers and the high‑stakes Super Cup. Fans can look forward to a blend of traditional rivalries and emerging storylines, with each match offering a chance for teams to stake early claims on the championship race.
For those eager to follow the action, all matches, including the Super Cup, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Viewers can also access the games via the NOW streaming service, which offers flexible, contract‑free viewing options. Sky Sports is running a range of promotional deals for new subscribers, making it an ideal time for netball enthusiasts to get involved.
As the season approaches, the question on everyone’s mind is: which team will ascend to the top of the league and claim the 2027 Netball Super League title? The answer will unfold over a series of thrilling contests, beginning with the high‑profile opener at the Motorpoint Arena. Stay tuned, mark your calendars, and prepare for a year of spectacular netball that will continue to push the sport forward and inspire the next generation of female athletes.