The biggest netball event of the year so far is coming to Manchester for the first time this year as Co-op Live hosts the Netball Super League’s Soft & Gentle Grand Final on 20 June 2026, and one local team is set on making their debut in the UK’s biggest indoor arena (while being sponsored by its second biggest).
Four-time NSL champions AO Manchester Thunder have already secured their spot in the Soft & Gentle Play-Offs, where they will fight for the right to take to the court in their own back yard on June 20.
Head Coach Karen Greig said: “Hopefully it’s written in the stars. To have a final in Manchester, for us it would just be unbelievable if we’re able to get there. The girls were really buzzing when they found out that it was going to be at Co-op Live, it was just a real lift around the group.
“We’ve got some work to do the next few rounds and obviously in the semi-finals but hopefully it’s written in the stars, we’re going to do all that we can to be there and hopefully we’ll be able to pack out the arena.”
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England international and AO Thunder star Eleanor Cardwell added: “Being in the top four is incredible. AO Manchester Thunder is such a strong team and the fact that we can get into that top four each and every year is incredible. The fact that the Grand Final is in Manchester gives us that extra bit of motivation to get to that final, having that home crowd would be unbelievable!”
But it’s not just AO Manchester Thunder who are pushing for their place in the Soft & Gentle Grand Final. Fierce rivals Loughborough Lightning and reigning champions London Pulse have also secured their Play Off spots and will be leaving it all on the court as they fight for the chance to compete for the trophy in the UK’s sporting capital, with players also individually fighting for selection to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games later this summer.
The Soft & Gentle Grand Final comes to Manchester after a record-breaking season that has seen growth in both live attendances and broadcast audiences. The Grand Final, delivered in partnership with health and beauty brand Soft & Gentle and broadcast live on Sky Sports, promises to be the ultimate day out for those who have followed the NSL’s most exciting season to date, whilst also enticing new fans to the sport who are yet to experience the thrill of a live arena spectacular.
Headlined by a world-class netball clash that never disappoints, the event will be a celebration of the sport that fuses netball with music, fashion, art and more, bringing fans closer than ever to their favourite players with so much to enjoy throughout the whole day.
Two family fan zones featuring a live DJ and music, big screen and main stage entertainment, opportunities to meet players from all eight NSL teams, pop up activations and games, food and drink stalls, merchandise and the opportunity to give netball a try will descend on Etihad Campus from midday while, inspired by the city’s musical roots, the entertainment will continue in the arena, with an extended half time break planned for an unmissable half time show performance.
