Sports Ticker #123: NSL makeover, IFAB eight-second rule and Yorkshire Hundred sale – a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

In a fortnight which saw the Women's Tennis Association announce that players will receive paid maternity leave for the first time, Manchester United unveil plans for a new 100,000 seater stadium and the BBC strike a TV deal for men's international football in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we bring you updates on the revamped Netball Super League, Ferrari's victory against Aston Martin and the benefits for Yorkshire following the sale of the Northern Superchargers.

As always, if there are any issues on which you'd like more information (or if you have any questions or feedback), please do let us know or get in touch with your usual contact at RPC.

Makeover for the Netball Super League

This year brings big changes for the Netball Super League (NSL) as the sport's elite UK competition strives to become more professional. In particular, four rules are set to be introduced and will take effect from the new NSL season which begins on 14 March 2025. Firstly, ten minutes of extra time will be added along with a one-minute half-time break if teams are drawn after 60 minutes of play. Then, if no clear winner emerges at the end of the additional time, the teams will continue until a two-goal lead is reached. Secondly, each team is afforded a 90-second tactical timeout to allow the "opportunity to make critical adjustments providing the ability to change the outcome of a game and keeping fans guessing until the final whistle". Thirdly, if a team loses but finishes within 5 goals or less of their opponent, they can claim one point which aims to motivate teams to fight until the end of the game. Finally, the NSL has followed Australia's Super Netball league by introducing a two-point super shot during the last five minutes of each of the four quarters of every match. Overall, the hope is to encourage more fans to follow the sport and increase competition amongst teams.  

Adding time to save time

Following positive trials in lower leagues this season, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) aims to change the length of time that goalkeepers are allowed to hold the ball. This arose from recognition that the six-second rule, whereby goalkeepers are meant to concede an indirect free kick if they hold the ball for more than six seconds, was rarely enforced. Although this is primarily down to the harshness of the sanction and difficulties involved in organising an indirect free kick, fans and players are often left frustrated when goalkeepers waste time running down the clock. Accordingly, the new rule will be strictly enforced, allowing goalkeepers to hold the ball for only eight seconds before a corner is conceded. Various trials have already shown the effectiveness of the eight-second rule in changing behaviour as goalkeepers release the ball much quicker which speeds up the game. Despite not taking full effect until the start of the 2025-2026 season, FIFA intends to use the new law for its revamped Club World Cup in the US this summer.

Ferrari v Aston Martin

In July 2024, it was revealed that Ferrari's former technical director, Enrico Cardile, would be taking up a newly created role at Aston Martin in 2025. Controversy surrounded this announcement as Cardile previously worked at Ferrari for 20 years and his switch to Aston Martin was announced only one day after handing in his notice. However, it appears that scepticism around the move was well-founded as a Modena court ruled that Cardile's actions were in violation of the terms of his non-compete obligations to Ferrari. He is therefore prevented from any collaboration with Aston Martin until the appropriate period is up, meaning that Cardile is not allowed to start his new role until after 18 July 2025. Unfortunately, this appears to have disrupted Aston Martin's plans as they originally announced that Cardile would be a key component in preparing for the new Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) 2026 regulations. These were announced in 2024 and intend to overhaul the regime governing F1, making it "agile, competitive, safer and more sustainable". Ultimately, the delayed start will likely limit Cardile's impact on Aston Martin's new car as the team began work in January to ensure completion in time for the introduction of the new rules. 

Salford Red Devils remain in the red

As highlighted in Sports Ticker #122, rugby league side the Salford Red Devils have faced financial struggles recently, and now a new difficulty has emerged. There was hope that the recent takeover by Dario Berta would resolve the ongoing concerns, but this is yet to be seen as Salford's players and staff are still awaiting their salaries which were due to be paid on 28 February 2025. Salford insists that the delay is due to a large sum arriving from overseas and that individuals will receive what they're owed soon. Nevertheless, the Rugby Football League (RFL) does not seem convinced and has reimposed salary cap restrictions on the club and called a meeting of the new owners to discuss why the wages have not been paid and how the matter will be resolved. Whilst solutions are being considered, the Salford Red Devils have taken to social media and stated, "we apologise to you on behalf of our new ownership who have assured the club that the consortium is working to rectify the financial situation and there will be no further issues."  Will the new management be the start of a new era for the Red Devils? Only time will tell.  

Sale of the Northern Superchargers set to clear Yorkshire debts

In February 2025, the Sun Group (owners of Indian Premier League side Sunrisers Hyderabad) agreed to pay over £100m for a 100% stake in the Headingly-based Hundred franchise Northern Superchargers, leaving Yorkshire chair Colin Graves "staggered" by the amount. He stressed that the county is in over £20m of debt but that it will receive approximately £50m when the sale is completed later on this month. Commenting on the benefits brought by the sale, Graves stated "We would have enough money to clear the debts, that would be priority number one. Number two, we are looking at how we protect the rest of the money and look at how to invest it for the good of the club." This represents another success for the Hundred, demonstrating that the England and Wales Cricket Board's new approach paid off in bringing investment into the game. Spurred on by the sale and looking to the future, Graves is considering demutualisation to become a private structure with a view to ensuring that the club never faces the financial struggles experienced over the past 20 years again.

Extra time...

…and finally, England's men's rugby team commence a collaboration with Apple to implement new technology and developer expertise into the game. Although Apple is well-known for working with coaches and athletes, this partnership represents the first time that the multinational technology company has supported a national sports team in Europe. The main benefit offered to the team is the speed at which data can be processed, allowing the 30-player game to be analysed rapidly and any strategic changes to be made accordingly. England head coach, Steve Borthwick noted that "[i]t's making a difference already" and fly-half George Ford echoes this sentiment, stating that the use of Apple products allows the team to come up with solutions to weaknesses in play during the game instead of afterwards. With Apple powering its analytics team, England's men's rugby team may well have a shot of winning the Six Nations.