The 2026 Red Stripe Flavours Netball Jamaica Elite League season will begin next Friday, June 5. The announcement was made at the launch of the competition at the National Arena, yesterday.
Defending champions Kingston Hummingbirds, St Ann Orchids, St Catherine Racers, Manchester Spurs and a national development team will contest the season, which is scheduled to be completed in late June or early July.
President of Netball Jamaica (NJ), Karen Baugh, said getting the league back up to six or more teams is one of the association's prime objectives.
However, she pointed out that adding teams for numbers sake would not be reasonable, as it would compromise the quality of the league.
Nevertheless, she believes that with time, and with a steady supply of quality players coming through the national system, they will have enough quality players to have six or more competitive teams in the Elite League in the near future.
"You cannot just put up your hand and enter the Elite League. You have to be drafted. We also have some rules that govern how players move between our leagues, so if you are considered an elite player there are some restrictions around our club leagues, as one of the things we want to ensure is that when you come to an Elite League match, you are getting top-class netball," she said.
"So we are not substituting quality of players. We are drafting players who are in the national pathway."
Baugh noted that from 2013 to 2019, the league consisted of six club teams, but was reduced to four after the COVID-19 pandemic and a national development team included to make five teams.
"The whole intention is that when we build out our youth programmes, the easier and faster it will be to get to six teams or more.
Arnaldo Martin, brand manager of title sponsor, Red Stripe Flavours, said the passion and discipline the netballers bring each season deserves investment, and that it is one of the reasons Red Stripe Flavours continues to support the Elite League.
"For me it's been an interesting journey, knowing what the ladies come out and provide, and they provide an amazing product.
"For us it is about recognising the players and the impact they have on the sport. We believe in Jamaican women. We believe in Jamaican women in sports and we believe in creating platforms that will celebrate not only the performance on the court, but also their influence and impact beyond the game, and if this season is anything like last year. I think we will be in for an exciting few months."
Savannah Paige Blake, brand coordinator of Powerade, said the Elite League continues to have an important role in the development of Jamaica's netball talent.
"It provides a platform for them to compete, grow and show their abilities. Our partnership with the Netball Elite League reflects our belief in the dedication, discipline and resillience that athletes demonstrate every day," she commented.
Games in the Red Stripe Flavours Elite Netball League will be played on Fridays and Sundays at Independence Park.
Syndicated from Jamaica Gleaner · originally published .
