This year’s finals series follows the revamped playoff structure introduced last year as part of the league’s professional era. Starting with a Major and Minor Semi-Final, which lead to the Preliminary Final before the 2026 Grand Final, to be held at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena, setting the stage for a blockbuster finish to the season.
How It Works:
The top two in the league will face off in the Major Semi-Final, with the winner booking a direct spot in the Grand Final. After their last-second win against Loughborough Lightning, AO Manchester Thunder will host the 2025 Grand Final winners, London Pulse.
Third and fourth (Loughborough Lightning and Nottingham Forest) meet in the Minor Semi-Final, where the loser’s season ends, but the winner earns one final shot at reaching the Grand Final in the Preliminary Final against the loser of the Major Semi-Final.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhat’s At Stake:
- AO Manchester Thunder are chasing a first NSL title since 2022 and the chance to play a Grand Final in a home arena.
- London Pulse are aiming to go back-to-back after their maiden title and season win in 2025 against Loughborough Lightning.
- Loughborough Lightning will hope to reclaim the title after another impressive campaign near the top of the table, and a 2026 Super Cup win.
- Nottingham Forest, in only their second season in the league, have built on a breakthrough year to reach the top four for the first time.
Fixtures:
Saturday 6th June
- Loughborough Lightning vs Nottingham Forest (15:00 Sir David Wallace Arena)
- AO Manchester Thunder vs London Pulse (17:30 National Cycling Centre)
Over the coming weeks, every centre pass, turnover and Amex Super Shot could be the difference between the side’s season ending and a place in the Grand Final.
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