Netball Super League | 2023 Signing Window explained: How do VNSL transfers work?

Taylor McKevitt of Manchester Thunder during this Signing Window.

The 2023 Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) Signing Window is now open and will give all 11 clubs an opportunity to finalise their squads before the start of the season.

The Signing Window allows teams to fully shape their squads by bringing in players from different clubs or retain the services of key players.

If this is your first time following the VNSL or you just need a refresher, we have compiled everything that you need to know for the months ahead.

When does the signing window open and close?

The 2023 Signing Window opened 8 August. Teams will have exactly 67 days to announce their signings before the deadline of 14 October when all clubs will be expected to have revealed their squads in full. Players must be fully registered before they are announced.

Clubs can then choose when to announce their players once they have been registered with the League, and must have revealed their full squad by the end of the 14 October. This gives plenty of time for clubs to negotiate with players, sign contracts and undertake any media days to prepare for announcements.

The Signing Window dates were agreed in collaboration with clubs to suit their needs during this period.

How large can squads be?

Clubs may have a total squad of up to 15 players. This comprises of 12 ‘Registered Players’ and up to three ‘Training Partners’. Matchdays squads, meanwhile, are set to a maximum of 12 players.

Training Partners can only be drafted into a matchday squad due to ‘exceptional circumstances’ such as injury or illness. Only the 12 Registered Players are eligible for selection on a matchday.

Who can clubs sign?

Clubs can sign a maximum of 15 players during the signing window. Following the conclusion of the 2022 season, teams could start approaching players from other clubs who are currently out of contract; They were able to engage in negotiations with their existing contracted players before the end of the season.

Squads are made up of mainly UK athletes but each side is allowed to register two non-UK players. However, these players cannot play in the same area of the court at the same time in any game (i.e. GS and GA, C, WA and WD, GD and GK).

Salary cap rules now see clubs having to submit 10 of their registered players who fit within the league’s salary cap rules. They can therefore register two registered players who sit outside of the salary cap.

All players must be at least 16 years old on the closing date of player registrations.

Have there already been any outgoings?

There have already been a number of announcements from numerous clubs about player departures this summer due to player retirements, moves abroad, or appointments as staff members.

Severn Stars’ Liana Leota has joined Leeds Rhinos as their Director of Netball while fellow Kiwi Cat Tuivaiti has joined Wasps as their Head Coach. Taylor McKevitt has also joined the staff at Manchester Thunder.

Thunder have also said farwell a host of their title-winning team with the likes of Laura Malcolm, Eleanor Cardwell and Joyce Mvula opting for moves to Australia and New Zealand.

Retirements from Team Bath’s Kim Borger and Rachel Shaw, Stars’ Katie Harris, and Strathclyde Sirens’ Gia Abernethy means they will not be returning for the 2023 campaign.

A host of other stars – notably from Saracens Mavericks and Leeds Rhinos – have also departed. You can find all of the news so far on our Transfers page here.

What were the key signings from last year?

Last summer proved to be one of the most exciting yet as the 2022 Signing Window pulled out all the stops.

Several big names either joined the league or transferred between VNSL teams; all of which had a huge impact on the season.

Natalie Metcalf returned to the UK with Thunder, Proscovia Peace went onto become Gilbert Top Scorer with Surrey Storm, Cat Tuivaiti made her anticipated return with Stars just to name a few.

You can find out more about the biggest signings from last season here.

Where can I keep up to date with all signings?

For news on all of the latest signings during the window, make sure to follow the @NetballSL on Twitter, Instagramand subscribe to our newsletter.

On Twitter, you’ll be able to keep across the ins and outs with our 2023 Signing Window Twitter Moment. For specific club news, be sure to be across all eleven of our teams on their respective social media accounts and subscribe to our List.

On Instagram, stay tuned to our 2023 Signing Window Guide to keep up to date.

We will also be covering each signing in full on our website, offering weekly round-ups and are offering a comprehensive overview of 2023 squads on our Transfers page. Don’t miss out!