2022 VNSL season confirmed for early February
THE 2022 Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) fixture has been announced, with another huge season set to begin on Saturday, February 5, and carry through to the grand final on Sunday, June 5. Boasting 20 rounds and a blockbuster weekend of finals action, there is no doubt the 2022 season is set to showcase the best talent the United Kingdom has to offer, and will be won and done with plenty of time to prepare for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in late July.
READ>>> 2022 VNSL LISTS: Part 1 | Part 2
Given the success of the centralised venue throughout season 2021, the 2022 season will once again feature central venues at key points during the season, including a double feature weekend at Resorts World Arena in Birmingham for Rounds 1 and 2. Rounds 13 and 14 are set to also be played at a central venue across a huge weekend of action, while the remainder of the season is set to play as a regular home and away season for the first time in two years.
“We are excited to announce plans for the upcoming Vitality Netball Superleague 2022 season, as we look to build upon the success of such a landmark season in 2021,” VNSL Chair Steve Elworthy said.
“The ‘Season Opener’ double header weekend will kick-off the 2022 campaign in thrilling style, showcasing the incredible international and homegrown talent in our league and exciting fans for the season ahead.”
Apart from Round 1/2, locations are still set to be confirmed and fixtures are subject to change across the board at this early stage, with flexible fixturing a COVID-19 precaution. However, the home and away season will fortunately allow fans to return to the stands to see their favourite teams and players in action around the UK, and also allow franchises to generate some revenue back after interrupted 2020 and 2021 seasons.
“With clubs returning to home venues, and fans able to return to support their teams and enjoy live match action once again, it promises to be another exciting season ahead for the league and everyone involved in making it a success cannot wait for February to get it under way,” Elworthy continued.
Amongst some of the blockbuster Round 1/2 action is a huge opening match between 2021 VNSL champions, Loughborough Lightning and a new-look London Pulse outfit, before Fast5 champions and VNSL runners-up Team Bath take on 2021’s big improvers, Strathclyde Sirens. The 2021 grand final rematch between Lightning and Bath is not expected until Round 7, likely around mid-March on Bath’s home court.
The Sky Sports broadcast partnership is set to continue with broadcast plans for the upcoming season yet to be confirmed, while tickets for the season opener are now on sale. Ongoing updates on fixture details can be viewed HERE.
Picture credit: Ben Lumley Photography
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