Thousands of fans from across the UK are set to flock to Liverpool this May as netball returns to the city with the North West’s top players taking to the court at the M&S Bank Arena. Here’s what to expect and how to get tickets.
In one of the biggest events in the netballing year Manchester Thunder will meet Birmingham Panthers at 6.30pm in Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena on Sunday, May 18th and battle it out in a bid to get close to clinching the 2025 Netball Super League (NSL) title.
Tickets are now on sale for the highly anticipated game – the biggest netballing event the city has hosted since the 2019 Vitality Netball World Cup, reaffirming the city’s status as a destination for top-tier sporting events.
Passionate fans of all ages are set to pack the stands and create an electric atmosphere as four-time Netball Super League champions Manchester Thunder, play in Liverpool for the first time in their history.
Whether you’re a seasoned netball fan, play at your local club with friends or haven’t touched a netball since school – it’s going to be a great day of live sport and entertainment for all the family to remember.
Ben Williams, Commercial & Business Development Manager for M&S Bank Arena said:
“We are delighted to be welcoming netball back to the city. Liverpool has a rich sporting history, and local fans always create a special atmosphere. We are proud to host this prestigious event and can’t wait to see the arena buzzing with excitement as the players take to the court.”
Karen Greig, Head Coach and Franchise Director for Manchester Thunder said:
“We are delighted to be bringing a game to Liverpool and the M&S Bank Arena. We recognise as a North West based franchise that we have a responsibility to develop both local and elite netball across our region. It’s important for us to engage with netballers in the whole of the North West to get more people watching netball and coming to Liverpool is an exciting move for us.
“We will be working closely with Liverpool and its surrounding areas to engage not only young aspiring netballers but reaching out to netballers across the city. We are excited to see this new partnership drive forward and help develop partnerships and netball.”
Netball’s return to Liverpool comes as the sport continues to grow in popularity across the UK, inspiring a new generation of players and fans alike. This year marks a new era for the Netball Super League (NSL) that has been overhauled as the sport continues to grow and accelerate towards professionalism.
The overhaul includes the introduction of the new Super Shot rule that allows teams to score two-goal shots from a dedicated area within the outer edge of the shooting circle during the last five minutes of each of the four quarters.
The top four teams at the end of the Super League season will progress to the semi-finals on 20-22nd June, ahead of a new preliminary final of the weekend of 28-29th June, before the showpiece Grand Final at the O2 on 6th July.
The Grand Final is being held at the O2 in Greenwich, where Manchester Thunder and Loughborough Lightning may again face each other to clinch victory.
Ticket prices are much more affordable than for other sports with lots of wrap-around fun and entertainment. Tickets start from £22.50 for adults, £17.50 for ages 7 – 16 and £12.50 for ages 3 – 6, with groups of ten being able to get discounts with group tickets and season tickets also being available.
Visit Fanbase or manchesterthunder.co.uk for tickets.