[2][3] On 15 June 2020, New Zealand Cricket announced the first round of contracts for domestic teams ahead of the 2020–21 season.
[4][5] The full schedule for the tournament was confirmed on 8 October 2020.
[6][7] The season started on 19 October 2020, with the opening two matches affected by the weather, with them both ending early during the tea break on the first day.
[9] Lister replaced Mark Chapman, who reported feeling unwell, inline with the updated International Cricket Council (ICC) playing conditions for a substitute due to COVID.
[10] Canterbury won the tournament with two rounds of matches to play, winning their first title since the 2016–17 season.