Project Phoenix sets out ambition to see the rise and return of elite netball to the southwest
Team Bath Netball has today shared an update with supporters on Project Phoenix, the developing initiative focused on building a sustainable, ambitious and commercially robust franchise for the Southwest region.
The update comes at an important transition point for Team Bath Netball and the NXT Gen programme, as the organisation continues to recognise and thank fans, athletes, families, partners and the wider netball community for their continued support, whilst presenting a strong call to action to those keen to be part of the next chapter.
Building on Proud Foundations
As a founding member of the Netball Super League, Team Bath Netball has played a significant role in the development of the sport at the highest level for over two decades. Alongside its historic on-court success, the programme continues to provide an established performance pathway, a strong grassroots presence and a deep connection with supporters across the region.
Despite the disappointment of losing Netball Super League status, supporter engagement has remained strong with fans continuing to back the Blue and Gold’s NXT Gen programme. Ticket sales have, at times, matched or exceeded some Netball Super League fixtures, while Team Bath fixtures have generated almost a third (32%) of total NXT Gen League streaming watch time. This clear demonstration of demand for elite netball in the Southwest is what Project Phoenix aims to harness as it works to protect the region’s legacy and build a renewed future with fans and community at its heart.
The Purpose of Project Phoenix
Project Phoenix is focused on creating a professional and sustainable franchise model that can support a return to the Netball Super League when the opportunity becomes available.
The project recognises that the Southwest’s thriving performance pathway and engaged (and growing) netball community deserves a clear connection through to a professional team. By creating that link, Project Phoenix aims to inspire, develop and elevate the game – and the presence of women’s sport – while contributing to the future success of domestic netball and the England Roses pathway.
Since its inception in early 2025, the Project Phoenix board has been in regular dialogue with England Netball and Netball Super League to ensure that its ambitions remain aligned to the direction of travel of NSL 2.0. Project Phoenix can now confirm it intends to present a viable bid for consideration for the 2028 or 2029 season, subject to the league being in a position to accept a new franchise.
While the detailed timeline and entry criteria for future participation have not yet been confirmed, the project is progressing on the basis that multi-year investment, commercial partnerships and operational planning must begin now.
The next phase of work will focus on building a commercially sound and successful franchise, securing major venue opportunities, developing long-term commercial partnerships, shaping a premium matchday experience and forming a high-performance structure and programme that reflects the ambition of the sport and the expectations of supporters.
A Renewed Identity and Focused Ambition
Project Phoenix presents an exciting opportunity for a fresh start: as a new standalone entity, there will be opportunity to explore an elevated brand and a renewed identity, while building on the multitude of strengths that have long defined Team Bath Netball and the Southwest. These include historic success, an established player pathway, a passionate regional supporter base, and an ability to inspire and engage the community it serves. The University of Bath will continue to feature as a core partner in the development of the new franchise, acting as an important anchor through its high-performance environment, facilities, expertise and longstanding connection to high-performance sport and netball in the region.
At its core, the ambition is not simply to return to the league, but to build a franchise with both the foundations and aspirations to compete, grow and contribute meaningfully to the continued rise of women’s sport in the UK.
“Project Phoenix is about protecting the proud legacy of elite netball in the Southwest while building a franchise that is ambitious, sustainable and fit for the future. We are incredibly grateful to the supporters who have continued to stand with Team Bath Netball and the NXT Gen programme during this transition. Their passion, together with the strength of the performance pathway and the continued support of the University of Bath, gives us a powerful platform for what comes next.
Now we need that support to show its strength. We want fans to keep showing up, keep backing the programme and keep demonstrating the demand for elite netball in this region. We also want to hear from businesses, investors and partners who share our belief in the future of women’s sport and want to be part of building its next chapter in the Southwest. This is more than just a return to the league; it is a chance to shape the next chapter of women’s sport in the Southwest — together.”
Emily Siddy – Franchise Operations Manager for Project Phoenix (and Netball Manager for Team Bath Netball)
Supporters can expect further updates throughout the 2026/2027 season as Project Phoenix continues to develop. In the meantime, Team Bath Netball thanks every fan, player, coach, volunteer, partner and member of the Southwest netball community for their continued belief in the future of elite netball in the region.
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For further information or to explore future opportunities with Project Phoenix, please email projectphoenix@bath.ac.uk.
