Netball Super League | Introducing Sophie Tea Art x Gilbert Netball x The Netball Super League

In collaboration with Sophie Tea Art and Gilbert Netball the Netball Super League (NSL) is delighted to reveal the official match ball for 2025.

Featuring a vibrant display of each of the eight NSL Club colours, in Sophie Tea Art’s trademark style, the 2025 match ball will bring vibrancy, community and confidence to the court throughout the 2025 NSL season.

Famed for her empowering artwork which has earned her a cult following across her social media channels, Sophie Tea Art’s creations carry a profound message of inclusivity and proudly celebrate the unique beauty of the female form which makes a collaboration with the NSL a natural alignment ahead of the League’s bold new era that will be unashamedly driven by a commitment to illuminate the indisputable power of women.

NSL Managing Director Claire Nelson said: “I am thrilled to reveal this innovative collaboration which sees the Netball Super League and Gilbert Netball join forces with the powerhouse that is Sophie Tea Art to design our NSL 2025 match ball.

“As the NSL relaunches in 2025 the League will be about so much more than the elite action on court; it will drive the intersect between sport, art, fashion and music, of which this collaboration has been born from, to create a unique and world-leading product and we’re delighted to welcome Sophie as a young, British female artist on this journey with us. Her relentless passion for female empowerment embodies everything that the NSL stands for as a proudly female-led League, making this the perfect collaboration as we enter a bold new era for our sport.

“Sophie’s extraordinary ball design is vibrant, dynamic and incredibly eye-catching, and I cannot wait to see our phenomenal female athletes display their own power, athleticism and talent on court with this immensely special netball very soon.”

Speaking about the collaboration, Sophie Tea Art said: “Everything I do with my art is all about inspiring women and that’s exactly what the NSL is about. What the NSL is trying to achieve is to build confidence [in women] and create spaces where women can thrive. It’s such a natural fit and we’re both trying to lift up women and celebrate their strength.

“I hope this ball reminds fans that they’re all part of something amazing; it’s about community, confidence and celebrating everything that makes you strong. Take it on to the court and remind yourself to stay bold, keep connecting and playing with others. Whether you’re playing for fun or competitively, this sport and this ball design is here to lift you up and bring joy into your life.”

The Tea is served 💁‍♀️ 🩷

Presenting the new ball for the new era! ✨

🎨 Designed by @SophieTeaArt, in collaboration with @GilbertNetball, to represent the new brand and the clubs in the league.

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) February 4, 2025

The ball design came to life over many months of work, which saw Sophie initially create a bespoke canvas artwork inspired by each of the NSL Club colours. Gilbert Netball, Official Partner and Ball Supplier of the NSL, then transferred this design onto the ball itself, ensuring that all performance requirements were met whilst retaining the unique flair, boldness and colour of Sophie’s original design.

Giving fans an insight into the design process, Sophie said: “For me, I always lead with colour, and I just wanted to create something which really highlights how beautiful things are when we all come together. The story behind the ball is really celebrating women’s energy and showing the strength that comes from collaboration.

“Once I was sent through all the team colours, I started playing around with how I could incorporate them all in one design. It was actually a bit challenging at first, but I do think I smashed it; I think it looks super cohesive and vibrant and I’m really happy with the end result.

“One of the trickiest bits for me was just figuring out how to make the ball design work. I’d normally use a flat canvas, so I had to tweak my usual style to make sure it looked good from every angle but honestly, I just loved the challenge!”

Replica and mini balls in Sophie’s design will be available for fans to purchase, with more details to follow soon. Sophie said: “Honestly when people buy the ball I want people to feel fully hyped; full of energy and confidence!”

NSL fans will first have the opportunity to see the ball in action on International Women’s Day at the Netball Super Cup, a brand new one-day competition which will see all eight teams in action ahead of the start of the 2025 NSL season. The competition will be held on 8 March at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, and you can buy tickets here.