Netball Australia's search for a replacement eighth Super Netball team is officially underway with the organisation setting up a sub-committee to oversee the process.
NA is looking to award a new licence after Collingwood announced last week they would cut their netball program at the end of the current season.
The last-placed Magpies say the team is financially unsustainable.
Head office announced on Wednesday it had appointed a sub-committee made up of NA chair Wendy Archer, board members John O’Sullivan, Peter Legg and Mo’onia Gerrard, chief executive Kelly Ryan and independent consultants David Gallop and Colin Smith.
Submissions for the new licence are due by June 20.
“It’s pleasing to have a wealth of experience on the sub-committee, including two independent consultants,” Archer said in a statement.
“We are running a thorough process to determine the eighth licensee for Suncorp Super Netball.
“We want to ensure this new licence holder has the capability to run a sustainable and successful team well into the future.”
Netball Victoria has already stated it intends to pursue the licence, saying the state has the player depth and fanbase to sustain two Super Netball teams.
“We firmly believe Victoria has the talent and the fanbase to sustain two teams at the elite level and we are working closely with Netball Australia and the Victorian Government on the best way forward," said Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman.
Possible franchises in Canberra, Geelong and a team affiliated with the NRL club Gold Coast said they wouldn't be ready by round one in March 2024.
Outside of Melbourne, Tasmania looms as a possibility.
