Wales Netball Secures New Investment for Dragons
Established in 2005, the club originally known as Celtic Dragons was among the founding members of the Netball Super League (NSL).
Wales Netball has announced a significant new investment in its professional team, Dragons, with Machroes Holdings Limited acquiring a 40% stake in the club competing in the NSL.
The governing body retains majority ownership with a 60% share, maintaining overall control. Wales Netball has expressed its welcome for the "fresh investment, expertise and ambition" brought by this partnership.
This investment aligns with Wales Netball's Ymladd 2030 strategy, which aims to develop netball across Wales from grassroots participation to elite competition.
"This is a landmark moment for netball in Wales," said Wales Netball chief executive Sarah Boswell.
"Securing this investment is a powerful endorsement of the work that has gone on behind the scenes to put our sport on a sustainable footing, and it gives the Dragons the stability and ambition to compete at the very highest level."
In the 2026 season, Dragons achieved their highest NSL finish since 2014, placing fifth.
Leadership and Strategic Impact
Dragons coach Bloxham is set to take on an additional role with Welsh Feathers, while Handyside will transition to a full-time coaching position with the Feathers.
"Wales Netball retains majority ownership and control of the club, and this partnership allows us to accelerate everything we set out to achieve through Ymladd 2030 – from the grassroots game right through to the international stage," Boswell added.
"I am very excited to build on the Dragons' performance this season with this fantastic support from Machroes Holdings Limited and look forward to seeing the team continue to perform at the highest level."
Machroes Holdings Limited is a privately owned investment company named after a beach on the Llyn Peninsula in north Wales.
"We are proud to be investing in the Dragons and in the future of women's sport in Wales," said Machroes Holdings Limited chief executive Thomas Davies.
"The ambition, talent and momentum at Wales Netball and the club are clear to see, and I have great confidence in the leadership and the vision being built through Ymladd 2030."
Club Naming and Home Games
The new investment does not impact the NSL team's naming sponsorship. The Dragons, who played one home game in Liverpool and six in Cardiff during the past season, will continue to be known as LexisNexis Dragons in 2027.
