Top-notch Netball Super League at Co-op Live

Article posted by Coliseum, February 27^th, 2026

Image: Netball Super League

The major sporting event heads North in 2026 as the Netball Super League (NSL) becomes the first sporting final to headline the Co-op Live, Manchester (UK).

‘NETBALL SUPER LEAGUE’ stated that the Netball Super League (NSL) recently announced that the 2026 Soft & Gentle Grand Final will take place on June 20^th at the Co-op Live, Manchester (UK) making history as netball becomes the first ball sport and the first sporting final to be staged at the United Kingdom’s largest arena.

The Netball Super League (NSL) is an elite netball league in the United Kingdom. The league is organized by England Netball but features teams based in England, Wales and previously Scotland. The Super League commenced at the 2005-2006 seasons replacing the Super Cup as the elite netball competition in England. From 2016-2021 the league was sponsored by VitalityHealth and, as a result, known as the Vitality Netball Super League. Since 2022, it is known as the Netball Super League.

The Vitality Health Limited is a United Kingdom-based company offering private health insurance and life insurance to the UK market. It is UK’s third-largest health insurer behind Bupa and Axa with 1.9 million members as of February 2025.

The Co-op Live is an indoor arena in Manchester, England (UK) sited in the Etihad Campus next to the 52,900-capacity City of Manchester Stadium. It opened on May 14^th, 2024 and is the largest indoor arena in the United Kingdom by capacity. It can accommodate 23,500 attendees.

The Etihad Campus is an area of Sportcity, Manchester (UK) which is mostly owned and operated by the Premier League team Manchester City FC. The campus includes the Etihad Stadium, the City Football Academy (CFA) training facility and the club world headquarters, and undeveloped land adjacent to both of these facilities.

‘NETBALL SUPER LEAGUE’ further stated that the announcement builds on the success of last year’s Grand Final which was held at the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena in London and attracted record-breaking crowds. In a thrilling contest the English netball team London Pulse was crowned the Champions for the first time in their history defeating their peer team Loughborough Lightning 53-45 in a landmark occasion for both the league and the sport.

Tickets for the 2026 Soft & Gentle Grand Final, including the hospitality packages, went on sale to the Members on February 23^rd with the general sale opening on March 5^th.

Reflecting on the announcement the NSL Managing Director, Claire Nelson, said, “Last year’s Grand Final showed just how exciting and compelling this competition has become with an atmosphere that truly lifted the occasion. Bringing that energy to the Co-op Live feels like a natural next step. Netball has always been a sport that builds confidence on and off the court and hosting our biggest night in such a modern, world-class arena is a powerful statement about the belief, ambition and everyday confidence that defines our league and our players.”

Commented Guy Dunstan, General Manager (GM), Co-op Live, “We’re incredibly proud to welcome the Soft & Gentle Grand Final to the Co-op Live and to make history by hosting the first sporting final at the arena. The Co-op Live was designed to bring the people together for unforgettable shared experiences and this event reflects everything the venue stands for: The world-class events, the inclusivity, the community impact, and inspiring the next generation. We can’t wait to see Manchester play host to such a landmark moment for the sport.”

The selection of Co-op Live for the 2026 Soft & Gentle Grand Final builds on the arena’s rapid emergence as a global destination for sport and entertainment following a program of major global broadcasts across music and sport. Located on Manchester’s Etihad Campus the 23,500-capacity venue has quickly established itself as a frontrunner for visitor experience in the United Kingdom.

The Soft & Gentle Grand Final will also place netball at the forefront of a new era of major indoor sporting events with the Co-op Live setting a new benchmark for modern, sustainable venues. The arena operates entirely with the help of renewable electricity with features including the rooftop solar panels, rainwater harvesting and zero waste to landfill – reflecting the Co-op Live’s commitment to creating positive social and environmental impact.

The event forms part of a landmark year for the sport as England Netball celebrates its Centenary in 2026 marking 100 years of netball inspiring generations of players, the fans and the communities.

Loughborough (UK)-based England Netball, formerly the ‘All England Netball Association’, is the national governing body which oversees, promotes and manages netball in England. It is responsible for the strategic plan of the sport across the country and is a not-for-profit customer-focused sport business.

Commented Councilor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, Manchester City Council, “Manchester is a City alive with sport and we’re thrilled to welcome the Netball Super League Grand Final to our City and to the incredible Co‑op Live Arena for the first time. Hosting the Grand Final reflects our long‑term commitment to advancing Women’s sport, strengthening partnerships with the England Netball and delivering the community benefits. After an exciting season under the new NSL 2.0 era we can’t wait to host the two teams who will compete for the 2026 Championship where we’re not so secretly hoping the Netball Superleague team Manchester Thunder will be one of them! We look forward to celebrating world‑class netball this June and showcasing why Manchester continues to lead the way in sport and unforgettable, inclusive live experiences.”

The Netball Super League is an elite netball league in the United Kingdom. The league is organized by the England Netball but features teams based in England, Wales and previously Scotland.

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