The Netball Super League Grand Final is set to make history this year as it heads to Manchester for the first time, taking place at the Co-op Live arena.
It’s a significant move for the sport, bringing its biggest domestic fixture up north, becoming the first sporting final to be staged at the UK’s largest indoor arena.
Pictured: Co-op Live advertising the Netball Super League Grand Final
Credit: Amy Owen
The final, part of the Netball Super League, has been staged in London 8 times in the last 10 years, the other 2 times being in Birmingham, so moving it to Manchester marks the first time the event will be hosted so far north.
Bringing the league’s biggest fixture to Manchester is seen by many as a clear intention to recognise and engage with the strong netball communities across the north of England, and is seen to be an important step in making the sport feel more accessible and balanced.
Northern clubs, schools and grassroots netball have heavily contributed to the growth of netball in England, yet major events have rarely been staged on their doorstep. Hosting the Grand Final in Manchester offers fans in the area a chance to experience elite netball firsthand, without having to travel long distances.
It also reflects the evolution of the sport. Rather than being centred in one area, elite netball is increasingly trying to reach different audiences, and recognise the regions that constantly support the game at club level. Manchester, with its strong sporting identity and passionate crowds, feels like a natural fit for that direction.
DNA Netball Club, who continue to play an important role in developing players through the pathway, have welcomed the decision.
“It’s going to be great for Manchester, because they’ve had a first of a few things now,” said Tei Narnor, a representative of the club.
“Manchester tends to be so strongly competitive in Netball because there’s so many clubs in such a small area of Manchester.”
“It gives [our] girls something to aspire to,” another representative, Michael Toal, added.
“The fact that they’re seeing the final in the home city, and players of an incredible standard playing netball so close to home and being able to watch them. It’s a definite strong feeling for them.”
There is also excitement around what the atmosphere in Manchester will bring. The city has a strong reputation for hosting major sporting occasions, and Co-op Live is expected to provide an atmosphere that matches the importance of a Grand Final. The larger venue could also help grow attendance and introduce new fans to the sport.
As the season builds towards its conclusion, attention will turn to which teams secure their place in the final. But, regardless of who makes it, the 2026 Netball Super League already stands out as a milestone, both for taking the sport’s biggest night up north for the first time and for staging it in a venue as prominent as the Co-op Live.