2026 SEASON OPENER HEADS TO BENDIGO
Bendigo play host to the first match of the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season next March, as the Melbourne Mavericks face the GIANTS, giving regional Victorian fans a front-row seat to the World’s Best Netball League.
The season opener will take place at Bendigo’s Red Energy Arena on Saturday, 14 March with the first centre pass of 2026 locked for 5pm AEDT.
Delivered in partnership with Visit Victoria, the match reflects the League’s drive to bring elite netball closer to regional fans and broaden access to the nation’s best netball.
Suncorp Super Netball will celebrate its tenth season in 2026 with a fixture full of firepower and an earlier season start.
In the blockbuster Round 1 clash, Bendigo will witness the unveiling of new Mavericks recruit and 2025 Liz Ellis Diamond winner, Jamie-Lee Price, as she faces her former team - the GIANTS - for the first time, setting the stage for an electrifying start to the season.
Local supporters will be the first to experience the Mavericks’ and GIANTS’ refreshed line-ups, getting a first look at the calibre of netball set to define the 2026 season.
Suncorp Super Netball CEO Stacey West said the League was thrilled to kick off its milestone season in regional Victoria.
“Taking the season opener to Bendigo is a fantastic way to celebrate ten years of the World’s Best Netball League,” West said.
“Partnering with Visit Victoria lets us bring elite netball straight to regional fans and showcase the incredible passion for the game outside the major cities,” West said.
“Bendigo has always delivered electric crowds - we saw it with the Origin Australian Diamonds in October - and now, with the 2026 season opener starting off here, fans will experience all the skill and passion that makes Suncorp Super Netball the World’s Best Netball League.
“We can’t wait to see the heart and energy of one of Australia’s most passionate netball communities on display as they ignite the start the season.”
After hosting the Origin Australian Diamonds across the past two years, Bendigo has become a standout regional venue for elite netball, delivering the energy and passion of local fans, and welcoming supporters traveling from across the region.
“This game will attract visitors from across the state – filling hotel rooms, restaurants and cafés in a huge boost for Bendigo businesses,” Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said.
“We’re proud to support regional events like this because they mean more families will choose to explore Bendigo and support the local economy.”
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan echoed the sentiment.
“Bringing world-class netball to Bendigo shows off the best of our region to viewers from around the world and sends a clear message that Victoria is the place to be for major events.”
“The Diamonds have played twice in Bendigo in the past two years and with the Mavericks coming here to start their season, Bendigo is reaping the rewards of our Government’s support for Australian netball.”
The initiative is part of Mavericks’ commitment to making elite netball accessible to as many fans as possible, particularly in regional areas that don’t often get the chance to experience this level of competition.
Shae Bolton-Brown, Melbourne Mavericks General Manager, said she was excited for the reveal of their Round 1 match.
“We’re so excited to bring our first home game of the season to Bendigo,” Bolton-Brown said.
“The region has an incredible passion for netball, as we’ve seen with the response to Suncorp Super Netball pre-season matches held here previously, as well as the Origin Australian Diamonds’ recent clash against South Africa.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for fans to see our new recruits Jamie-Lee Price, Tara Hinchliffe and Reilley Batcheldor in Mavericks colours for the very first time, and we hope to have a really vocal Bendigo crowd, all cheering on the Mavs.”
Fox Netball and SEN will grant unrivalled access to SSN in 2026, providing coverage and commentary of the world’s best netball league to audiences in Australia. Every match of the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season will be available live on Kayo Sports, Fox Sports and Binge.
