With the sport experiencing significant growth across the country and the continent, this year’s edition arrives at a pivotal moment – not just as a competition, but as a key driver in elevating African netball to new heights. From seasoned provincial stars to rising young talent and international contenders, the league is once again set to deliver a compelling showcase of skill, ambition, and national pride.
The 2026 season will officially get underway with Power Week One in Durban, taking place from 24 April to 2 May at the Durban University of Technology Steve Biko Campus. The tournament will then shift to Johannesburg for Power Week Two, hosted at the Ellis Park Arena from 22 to 31 May. The season will conclude with the final week from 12 to 15 June, with the closing venue still to be confirmed.
Featuring teams from all nine provinces, the league continues to reflect the depth and diversity of talent within South Africa’s netball structures. Adding a continental flavour to the competition, international invitational teams will once again take part, including Malawi’s Under-21 side and Zimbabwe’s Zambezi Eagles -both of whom bring valuable competitive experience and intensity to the tournament.
Beyond the on-court action, the Telkom Netball League remains a cornerstone of the sport’s development pathway. It serves as a critical platform for athletes aiming to break into the national setup, with performances closely monitored by selectors of the South Africa national netball team. Over the years, the league has consistently produced players who go on to represent South Africa on the international stage, underlining its importance within the broader netball ecosystem.
Speaking ahead of the new season, Netball South Africa President Mami Diale highlighted the league’s continued impact. She emphasised that the TNL not only showcases elite performance but also contributes meaningfully to community development and capacity building in the regions that host matches. According to Diale, the organisation remains committed to ensuring that the growth of netball extends beyond the court, empowering individuals and strengthening structures within the sport.
Long-term partner Telkom continues to play a central role in supporting this vision. Through its “Stand Tall: From First Pass to Crown” initiative, the company is focused on celebrating the full journey of netball – from grassroots participation to elite competition. Telkom Chief Marketing Officer Gugu Mthembu noted that the league represents the very best of South African netball, while also serving as a platform to recognise the players, coaches, and communities who contribute to the sport’s growth. As excitement builds ahead of the opening whistle, fans can expect a season defined by high-intensity matchups, fierce rivalries, and breakthrough performances. The Telkom