KINGSTON, Jamaica – The countdown has officially begun for the highly anticipated return of the Red Stripe Flavours Netball Jamaica Elite League, as officials confirmed a June 27 tip-off for the 2025 season.
The League’s electrifying draft, held at the Jamaica Olympic Association headquarters on Friday, June 6, set the competitive tone for what promises to be a month-long festival of elite netball action.
The battle lines are drawn
The 2025 edition will feature five dynamic teams, each led by top-tier coaches who are currently pursuing Level 3 certification under Netball Jamaica’s coaching development program. The teams and their respective coaches are:
- Jamaica U21 Shiners – Coach Annett Daley
- Kingston Hummingbirds – Coach Jodi Ann Ffrench Kentish
- Manchester Spurs – Coach Dalton Hines
- St Ann Orchids – Coach Kurt Dale
- St Catherine Racers – Co-Coaches Kerry Ann Brown and Rasheed Josephs
The inclusion of the national Under-21 team, coached by Daley, adds a strategic layer to this year’s competition. With the Netball Youth World Cup in Gibraltar fast approaching in September, the League will serve as a crucial stage for fine-tuning the team’s preparation against senior-level opposition.
A champion returns, and new rivals emerge
The Manchester Spurs, led by Coach Hines, enter the 2025 season as defending champions, with a target on their backs and every other team eager to knock them from the throne. The Spurs will face fierce opposition from returning contenders and the rejuvenated Jamaica U21 squad, whose youthful energy and World Cup ambition could upset the balance of power.
Adding further intrigue to this year’s competition is the historic drafting of two international players — one based in England and the other in Australia — marking the first time foreign athletes will participate in the League.
“This injection of global talent will help to elevate the level of interest in the competition and provide a unique opportunity for local players to showcase their talent alongside the best,” said Simone Forbes, Netball Jamaica Vice President.
Stars align: Sunshine Girls take center court
Ranked third in the world, Jamaica’s netball pedigree will be on full display, as all locally based Sunshine Girls — members of the national senior team — will be spread across the League’s four Elite franchises. They will be joined by former nationals and rising stars from divisional competitions, creating an electric blend of experience and emerging talent.
“All of our locally based Sunshine Girls will take part in the competition… along with former nationals and other aspiring Sunshine Girls who were drafted from our Divisional Leagues,” Forbes confirmed.
Innovation meets intensity: The format and features
The League will be contested in a Round Robin format, followed by playoffs to determine the champion. Returning to thrill fans is the Powerade Power Play, a tactical twist that allows teams to score two-point super shots during the final three minutes of each quarter.
Additionally, coaches will have access to the Marathon Brokers Tactical Timeout, a strategic tool to reset momentum and adjust gameplay on the fly.
All matches will be hosted at the National Stadium Complex in Kingston on Fridays and Sundays, from June 27 to July 27, 2025 — a compact but action-packed season that promises drama, athleticism, and world-class netball.
Backed by big names: Sponsors power the league forward
This year’s League enjoys robust support from both title sponsor Red Stripe Flavours and associate sponsors Powerade and Marathon Brokers. Team sponsorship is provided by Texaco Caribbean, Mitsubishi Motors, Xpress Sports, and Nature Valley — a testament to the growing appeal and commercial strength of the Elite League.
With elite talent, international flavor, and innovation baked into every fixture, the 2025 Red Stripe Flavours Netball Jamaica Elite League is set to be the most exhilarating season yet.
