SINGAPORE - Local telco M1 has extended its support for netball in Singapore, announcing on Wednesday its title sponsorship for this year's Netball Super League (NSL).

M1 is a long-time supporter of the sport here, having partnered Netball Singapore in various initiatives such as the M1 Corporate Netball Challenge, M1 Talent Identification Programme and M1 Schools Challenge League.

The NSL is regarded as a pathway to elite netball in Singapore and features some of Singapore's best players. The nine-week league is used as the main event for top local netballers to be selected into the various national squads.

The 2016 edition of the NSL starts on March 12 at Jurong East Sports Hall, with an opening game featuring defending champions Sneakers Stingrays and debutantes Fier Orcas.

Fier Orcas finished runners-up in Division 1 of the National League last year. They will join club sides Blaze Dolphins, Magic Marlins, and Sneaker Stingrays and two selection teams Mission Mannas and the Tiger Sharks in the league.

As with previous editions, international players will feature in the NSL to boost the level of competitiveness. This year, players from the national teams of Fiji, Tanzania and Botswana will take part.

Said Netball Singapore's chief executive officer Cyrus Medora: "We have worked closely with (M1) for over seven years to create events, partnerships and programmes and their support has helped a huge number of players at all levels of the game, from the schools to the corporates and now the elite players. Their support, along with that of our other sponsors is invaluable to the continuing growth and development of netball here."