Black Sticks a no-show
The decision followed consultation with players, coaches and key stakeholders, and reflected the Pro League format's "misalignment with New Zealand's high-performance goals", the organisation said in a statement.
'The current format is expensive, travel-heavy, and limits home games,' HNZ acting chief executive Ken Maplesden said.
'It doesn't support the sustainable, athlete-first programme we're building in New Zealand.'
The Black Sticks women also declined their 2025-26 Pro League spot, earned by winning the Nations Cup in March, due to similar challenges. — APL
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Black Sticks a no-show
Hockey New Zealand has confirmed the Black Sticks men will not participate in the 2025-26 FIH Pro League, despite qualifying by winning the Nations Cup. The decision followed consultation with players, coaches and key stakeholders, and reflected the Pro League format's "misalignment with New Zealand's high-performance goals", the organisation said in a statement. 'The current format is expensive, travel-heavy, and limits home games,' HNZ acting chief executive Ken Maplesden said. 'It doesn't support the sustainable, athlete-first programme we're building in New Zealand.' The Black Sticks women also declined their 2025-26 Pro League spot, earned by winning the Nations Cup in March, due to similar challenges. — APL
