Hockey New Zealand has confirmed the Vantage Black Sticks Men will not participate in the 2025–26 FIH Pro League, despite qualifying by winning the 2025 Nations Cup.
This decision follows consultation with players, coaches, and key stakeholders, and reflects the current Pro League format’s misalignment with New Zealand’s high-performance goals.
Hockey NZ has long advocated for a more flexible and inclusive Pro League model. While the FIH is reviewing the competition, no changes have yet been made.
“The current format is expensive, travel-heavy, and limits home games,” says Ken Maplesden, Acting CEO of Hockey NZ. “It doesn’t support the sustainable, athlete-first programme we’re building in New Zealand.”
The Vantage Black Sticks Women also declined their 2025–26 Pro League spot, earned by winning the Nations Cup in March, due to similar challenges.
Both decisions underscore the structural barriers facing geographically remote nations like New Zealand in the current Pro League setup.
“This wasn’t taken lightly,” Ken Maplesden continues. “We’re proud of what both teams achieved to qualify. But after consultation with athletes and staff, it became clear the Pro League isn’t workable for us right now.”
New Zealand remains committed to competing at the highest level, with Nations Cup titles in 2024 and 2025 (Men) and 2025 (Women) reinforcing the country’s international competitiveness. Returning to the Pro League remains a goal, although in a way that doesn’t compromise a sustainable high-performance programme.
Men’s Vantage Black Sticks Head Coach Greg Nicol reflects a bigger-picture commitment to sustainable, world-class preparation and long-term athlete success. “The players earned the right to compete, and we back them 100%. This decision is endorsing what we’re building, a world-class program that prioritises wellbeing, smart preparation, and long-term success. We want to play the best, but not at the cost of people or the programme.
The decision is supported by the New Zealand Hockey Players Association (NZHPA).
“The players desperately want to be part of top-level international hockey, and they’ve repeatedly proven they deserve to be there,” says Glen Sulzberger, NZHPA Executive Manager.
“That right to participate should not come at such a high cost to them as players, and also to the game in New Zealand. What is clear is that the Pro League does not meet its original objectives, nor has it evolved to become a viable competition. The FIH is failing its duty to the game.”
Players have expressed frustration at limited consultation in the FIH’s review of the Pro League.
“Every player dreams of testing themselves against the best in the world,” says current Black Sticks player Sam Lane. “That’s why we play, so it’s disappointing not to be able to compete in the Pro League after the hard work put in to qualify again.”
“We understand the challenges with the league, and implore the FIH to properly engage and listen to what athletes have to say.”
Hockey NZ remains focused on building a strong domestic and international calendar, including more home-and-away internationals, a strengthened Premier Hockey League, and preparation for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. The 2025 Oceania Cup will also be a key milestone.
“This isn’t a step back,” Ken Maplesden concludes. “It’s a step forward on our terms. We’re committed to high performance, athlete wellbeing, and growing the game here in New Zealand.”
New Zealand
