Netball Australia aspires for the sport to be included in 2032 Brisbane Olympics

Netball Australia, with the support of World Netball, has declared its aspirations for Netball to be played at the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.

Netball has been a Commonwealth Games sport since 1998 - with the Origin Australian Diamonds currently ranked number one in the world - among the nation's most successful sporting teams.

With Netball being a global game, played by over 20 million people across more than 80 countries, Netball Australia Chief Executive Kelly Ryan said the game deserves to be played in the Olympics adding "we want our junior netball fans to dream of Olympic glory in the sport they love.

"We want our netball fans, who are the proudest and most passionate supporters, to cheer on their favourite athletes as they compete in the green and gold with the whole world watching on."

"In such a challenging time, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games have brought so much joy to households right across Australia.

"I, like many people in the netball community, have watched in awe of our Australian athletes who have represented our country with pride, humility and determination.

"We congratulate them for their incredible achievements and wish our Paralympians the best of luck as they compete in two weeks' time."

Netball is a place for girls and women to shine, but it is also a thriving community for men and boys.

Male participation in netball is increasing year-on-year, with a growing number of men and boys taking part in a range of competitions offered both by affiliated entities and in competitions and pathways offered by the Australian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association, as well as a range of social competitions.

From grassroots to the international level – Australia has a proud and successful history with the sport.

Sydney will welcome the world’s best netballers in 2027, winning a bid to host the sport’s most prestigious tournament – the Netball World Cup.

The marquee event will see 16 national teams battle for the title of world champion and will coincide with Australian netball’s centenary celebrations.

“All our Member Nations are excited at the potential of being part of the Olympic Family in 2032,” said World Netball President Liz Nicholl.

“We are committed to exploring the potential with Netball Australia and ensuring that our case for inclusion adds significant value to this very special Olympic movement.”

Netball Australia will now work closely with World Netball, the Australian Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee.

Commenting on Netball Australia’s aspirations for the sport to be added to the 2032 Olympics program, Australasian Leisure Management Publisher, Nigel Benton stated “throughout Brisbane’s bid process it was stressed that it would not repeat the cost blowouts of many previous Olympics.

“However, within just a short time of the 2032 Games being secured there are calls for not only netball but for rugby league, touch, surf lifesaving and cricket to feature on the program.

“Assuming 16 teams in each competition plus coaches and administrators, that’s heading towards 1000 extra athletes and officials for the Games to accommodate.

“It’s verging on laughable that prudence is almost immediately being overlooked.

“It’s also worth pointing that Olympic expansion tends to favour sports that feature both male and female participants and have a global appeal.

“It’s not just about sports that Australia is good at or that thrive in the Commonwealth.

“At this rate AFL will want in to the Games!”