From Peach Baskets to Netball Super League (NSL): Some of Netball’s Big Moments

A friendly, easy-to-read netball history timeline for beginners and curious fans. Discover the key dates, netball rules milestones, the Netball World Cup, Commonwealth Games netball, and the rise of Netball Super League (NSL) and other professional leagues.

Quick Read

  • Netball grew from early basketball in the 1890s and quickly became its own sport in England.
  • By the 1960s, international rules were set and the first World Championship was held.
  • Netball joined the Commonwealth Games, pro leagues launched, and short-form FAST5 arrived.
  • Today, the sport thrives worldwide with packed arenas and global stars as seen in the UK’s NSL!

The Spark: 1891-1901

Where the roots of the sport of netball began.

  • 1891 – The accidental origin. In snowy Massachusetts, James Naismith invents basketball for indoor PE. Two days later, his female colleagues introduce it to their students-and the seeds of netball are planted.
  • 1893-1895 – A British remix. In England, trailblazing educator Martina Bergman-Österberg brings women’s basketball to her students. Over a few years the rules evolve into a new, distinct sport: netball.
  • 1901 – Putting it in writing. Bergman-Österberg’s rules are published, giving the game a clear identity and a path to spread.

Building the Game: 1926-1963

From governance to the first world championship.

  • 1926 – Governance arrives. The All England Net Ball Association (today’s England Netball) is founded-netball’s first dedicated national governing body.
  • 1960 – One language, one rulebook. Federations meet to set formal international rules, aligning what’s played around the world.
  • 1963 – World stage debut. Eastbourne, England hosts the first Netball World Championship, turning local passion into global competition.

Growing Up Fast: 1988-2009

Youth competitions, the Commonwealth Games, and the pro era.

  • 1988 – Youth spotlight. Canberra, Australia hosts the first Netball Youth Cup, showcasing next-gen talent.
  • 1990 – The Games teaser. Netball appears as a demonstration sport at the Commonwealth Games.
  • 1998 – Official at last. Netball becomes a full Commonwealth Games sport, locking in prime-time status every four years.
  • 2005 – The Netball Super League launches, elevating elite domestic competition. The Pro era in the UK started in 2016.
  • 2007 – Trans-Tasman power play. Australia and New Zealand unveil the ANZ Championship, a joint league brimming with superstars.
  • 2009–2012 – Turbocharged netball. A short-form format debuts as FastNet (World Netball Series), rebranding to FAST5 in 2012- fewer players, rolling subs, power plays, big vibes.

Modern Era: 2016–2023

Leagues evolve, records fall, and the global brand grows.

  • 2016 – A league reshuffle. The ANZ Championship wraps, paving the way for refreshed national comps.
  • 2017 – Two flagships, one vision. Enter Suncorp Super Netball (Australia) and the ANZ Premiership (New Zealand), both packed with international stars.
  • 2018 – Roses bloom. England clinch Commonwealth Games gold-their first sending shockwaves through the top tier.
  • 2021 – New name, same mission. The International Netball Federation becomes World Netball, reflecting a modern, global outlook.
  • 2023 – Africa’s first World Cup. Cape Town hosts a landmark tournament; Australia claim a record 12th title, defeating England in the final.

What’s Next

Dates to watch for netball fans and new players alike.

  • 2026 – Commonwealth Games (Glasgow). Expect netball to be front and centre once again.
  • 2027 – World Cup (Sydney). The sport’s biggest prize heads to one of its spiritual homes. Start the countdown.