New Faces, New Ambitions: The 2026 NSL Season Tips Off

Friday 27th February marks the start of the 2026 NSL season, with fans eagerly looking forward to the opening fixtures and significant squad overhauls across the league. The opening weekend offers supporters the first opportunity to see their favorite athletes back on court and observe the tactical changes implemented by each coach.

On Friday night, Manchester Thunder travel to the nation’s capital to face defending champions London Pulse. On Saturday, the action continues as London Mavericks take on Nottingham Forest, Loughborough Lightning face the LexisNexis Dragons, and Birmingham Panthers host the NIC Leeds Rhinos.

Looking closely at the season opener, there is only one change for Pulse compared to two for Thunder. Pulse head coach Sam Bird has made just a single addition for the new campaign, focusing on the attacking end: South African international Kamogelo Maseko joins the squad, bringing an extra dynamic to the shooting circle.

Meanwhile, Thunder head coach Karen Greig has welcomed back Eleanor Cardwell and signed promising Australian prospect Sophie Fawns. Both will feature in a formidable attack alongside Olivia Tchine and Maseko (for Pulse). With these stars, plus the likes of Sophie Kelly and Lois Pearson, the season is shaping up for an explosive start.

At Nottingham Forest, head coach Chelsea Pitman has made two key signings: Anya Williams and Ané Retief. Williams adds a new dimension to the attack, while Retief provides a strong option in the defensive circle. Conversely, Tamsin Greenway at the Mavericks has strengthened her roster with the arrival of Jamie Golob and the promotion of George Inger from the NXT Gen squad.

Defending Super Cup champions Loughborough Lightning, led by Vic Burgess, have secured England international Jess Shaw. Shaw offers versatile coverage across the center court at both Wing Attack and Center. For the Dragons, head coach Regina Bloxham has brought in Ellen Withington to bolster the defense and Niamh McCall—fresh from a dominant Super Cup display—to provide another clinical option in the shooting circle.

The Birmingham Panthers have undergone a significant transition, with a refreshed coaching setup accompanying several player changes. It remains to be seen if these adjustments will require a settling-in period or if they will help reshape the franchise in its second season. Finally, the Leeds Rhinos made a last-minute attacking move, as head coach Lauren Palmer signed Jamaican international Simone Gordon. Gordon brings "Jamaican flair" to the circle alongside Paige Reed, while Palmer has also fortified the squad with Jaz Brown and Sanmarie Visser in defense and Indya Masser in attack.

With high-profile moves across all eight sides, the 2026 season promises increased competition and high-octane netball. Will London Pulse successfully defend their title, or will a new champion emerge in 2026? We are about to find out.