2003 marked the first year a league-wide MVP award winner was named, allowing imports the opportunity to be recognised; in all previous seasons, only a Kiwi MVP was named, an award given to the best New Zealand player.
Australian import David Cooper of the Manawatu Jets was subsequently awarded the first league MVP.
2003 also marked the return of Taranaki after a three-year hiatus.
The Wellington Saints won the championship over the Waikato Titans in overtime, as the Saints claimed their fifth league title.
[1] Stats as of the end of the regular season[10]