Team Bath Netball (University of Bath) have been informed by England Netball that they have not been granted a licence to continue in the Netball Super League past the end of this current season.
Team Bath play Severn Stars in the Netball Superleague | Photo © Will Cooper / Fever Pitch
In a statement today, Thursday 30th May, Team Bath Netball said everyone involved was “shocked and devastated”.
They said: “Team Bath Netball have actively engaged with England Netball throughout the consultation and tender process for NSL 2.0 and have not only supported the ambitions of the league but have committed time and resource to proactively prepare the franchise for the next chapter of elite netball in the UK.
“Despite submitting a tender that we believe presented an exciting and ambitious proposal for Netball Super League in the South West, our tender did not meet all of the expected operating standards. One specific area in which the tender fell short of the expected operating standards related to the lack of arena provision.
“Moving netball into larger arenas is a core part of England Netball’s roadmap for NSL 2.0, and whilst discussions have been ongoing with potential partners in respect to this area, at present there are no arenas in the region that meet England Netball’s NSL 2.0 requirements.”
“For more than two decades, the University of Bath has been an ever-present leader and supporter of high-performance netball, and the success of the Team Bath franchise is considered, by many, as the catalyst for the journey elite netball has been on in the UK.
“In addition to being a founding member of the Super League, Team Bath remains the most successful club in the history of the league, having won the title five times, and it has been the origin for countless legends of the game – many of whom are still leading the way in elite netball.”
Whilst the panel’s decision excludes Team Bath from taking part in the NSL 2.0 competition, the team say they are actively working with England Netball to safeguard the future of the Team Bath pathway and will share the outcome of these discussions as soon as possible.
Stephen Baddeley, Director of Sport for Team Bath at the University of Bath, said: “The University is deeply disappointed to learn that Team Bath will not be included in NSL 2.0 from season 2025. We deeply regret that Team Bath’s bid to participate was unsuccessful, despite the tireless efforts and work behind the scenes to meet the requirements for NSL 2.0.
“Team Bath has a rich heritage in the Netball Super League and the University is extremely proud of the incredible achievements of the Team Bath Super League players, both past and present.
“They have been trailblazers in the world of elite netball and leave a lasting legacy and impact on women’s sport which will continue to inspire a generation of younger, aspiring players.
“The dedication and determination of all the staff – coaching, support, and volunteers is to be applauded. It is a huge disappointment not only for the players and staff but of course for our loyal Blue & Gold fans, and we thank them sincerely for their steadfast and enthusiastic support over the years.
“We would also like to record our appreciation to our main partners, Bath Building Society, Rengen Developments and Flyhawk, who have given the franchise and the players such great support and who have consistently shared in our passion for netball.”
Team Bath Netball say their supporters are also going to be “heartbroken” by the news.
“Simply put, the Blue and Gold fans are the best in the league and every season we are overwhelmed by their dedication and commitment to our team, with thousands of fans travelling from right across the region to cheer us on.
“Over the past few seasons attendances at our games have grown, and the noise and passion around our franchise has been unwavering, which makes this news even more difficult to accept.
“Whilst the news is still very raw, everyone at Team Bath Netball is determined that we see out the 2024 season with the same focus we have had all season, and we have no doubt our fans will do the same.”
Their final home game at the Team Bath Arena will be tomorrow (Friday 31st May) vs Strathclyde Sirens.
Tickets are still available at netball.teambath.com/tickets and fans are invited to fill the stands with Blue and Gold and help make the game the loudest one yet.
