Netball Australia sees 70% revenue rise in 2017

A new five-year broadcast rights and revenue sharing agreement with Nine Entertainment has contributed to Netball Australia’s revenue increasing almost 70% to more than $26 million in the 12 months to 31st December.

The organisation’s latest financial report lodged with the corporate regulator shows a surplus of $221,583 - a significant turn around from 2016 where Channel Ten was effectively paid by Netball Australia’s sponsors to broadcast the sport on free-to-air television led to a loss of almost $2.6 million that financial year.

Nine and Netball Australia have a profit-share deal for advertising revenue which has ultimately contributed to the revenues spike, with sponsorship income growing from $3.9 million in 2016 to about $12.3 million last year.

Advising that the Nine deal was behind the turn around, Netball Australia Chief Executive Marne Fechner today advised “we had a big year of growth in 2017 and we think overall it was a success.

“It was also a learning curve but we took a very different approach and we are certainly pleased with how we went.

“We worked very hard to get matches on Nine and we want to keep the momentum up.”

Bringing the sport to prime-time free-to-air television will generate higher salaries for athletes and lays the groundwork for netball to turn professional.

Sponsorship income is expected to be higher in 2018 with Suncorp, Harvey Norman and Bunnings signing new deals. 

Image: Marne Fechner

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