KINGSTON, Jamaica — A new chapter of elite women’s netball in Jamaica is officially on the horizon, as beverage brand Red Stripe Flavours has formally launched the 2026 edition of the Netball Jamaica Elite League. The event doubles down on the company’s long-term pledge to advancing women’s sports, nurturing young athletic talent, and strengthening Jamaica’s entire domestic sporting ecosystem.
The official launch ceremony took place Friday at Jamaica’s National Arena, drawing together key stakeholders from across the national sporting community: league organizers, competing athletes, brand partners, and other industry leaders. The gathering came weeks ahead of the upcoming season, which is already poised to deliver another high-stakes, tightly contested run of competition for the country’s top domestic netball circuit.
Red Stripe Flavours has backed the competition since 2024, when it took over sponsorship from the previous brand partner. Run under the oversight of Netball Jamaica, the league has cemented its reputation as one of the nation’s most critical development pathways for elite female netball athletes, while steadily growing the mainstream visibility of women’s sports across the country.
The 2026 season is scheduled to tip off on June 5, with all matches slated to take place on Fridays and Sundays throughout the duration of the tournament. Five squads will compete for the national title this year, including defending champions Kingston Hummingbirds, returning sides Manchester Spurs, St Catherine Racers, St Ann Orchids, and the up-and-coming Development Squad/JACE Risers, which focuses on nurturing emerging talent.
Karen Baugh, president of Netball Jamaica, opened the launch by celebrating the ongoing collaboration between her organization and Red Stripe Flavours, emphasizing that consistent, long-term investment is the backbone of netball’s growth in Jamaica. “This year promises to be bigger and more competitive than any before,” Baugh shared in her remarks. “Continued sponsorship investments signal confidence not only in netball itself, but also in our sporting communities and the development of young people across the country.”
Arnaldo Martin, Brand Manager for Red Stripe Flavours, echoed Baugh’s optimism, noting that his company remains dedicated to elevating and celebrating the female athletes who have built Jamaican netball into a national institution. “Netball has always been central to Jamaica’s legacy of sporting excellence, and the passion, discipline, and commitment these athletes bring to every season deserve real, meaningful investment,” Martin explained.
He added that the decision to extend sponsorship stemmed from the league’s already existing strengths: a deep pool of world-class talent and a dedicated, passionate fan base. “What the sport deserves now is continued visibility, stronger cross-sector partnerships, and brands that genuinely believe in its long-term future,” Martin said.
Unlike many sponsorship agreements that end at financial support, Martin noted that Red Stripe Flavours’ engagement extends far beyond the league’s balance sheet. The brand will prioritize spotlighting the unique personalities and far-reaching impact of competing athletes, both on and off the court. “We believe Jamaican women in sports deserve platforms that celebrate not only their performance on the court, but also their impact beyond the game,” he added.
For years, the Red Stripe Flavours Netball Jamaica Elite League has served as a critical feeder system for Jamaica’s senior national netball program, giving rising young athletes the chance to compete against top-tier talent and refine their skills at a high-performance level. The competition traces its roots back to the former Berger Elite League, and has gradually expanded its scope since rebranding under its current name, growing its role in athlete development, sports entertainment, community outreach, and youth participation.
The 2025 season saw 14 matches featuring 56 of the nation’s top players, with the Kingston Hummingbirds claiming the championship title after a thrilling 52-50 final match victory over runner-up Manchester Spurs.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Red Stripe Flavours says its core goal is to continue lifting the profile of women’s sports across Jamaica, while deepening community connections and bolstering national pride through the shared love of netball.