Netball Australia stands by controversial sponsorship while claiming ‘commitment’ to consulting with Diamonds players

Netball Australia has today issued a statement affirming its support for the controversial sponsorship of its elite programs by Hancock Prospecting while also emphasising a “commitment to continuing to consult with members of the Diamonds playing group on matters relating to its commercial partnership” with the mining conglomerate.

With Diamonds players having stepped back from wearing Hancock Prospecting branded uniforms in Constellation Cup clashes with New Zealand over the past week because of concerns over apparent ‘sportswashing’, Netball Australia’s statement advised that “the investment underpins our Australian Diamonds program for future success and enables Netball Australia to build and grow our great game at a community and grassroots level.”

The statement from the governing body, which lost more than $7 million over the last two years, appears to be an attempt to reconcile incompatible positions while emphasising the financial importance of the sponsorship.

Nonetheless, Netball Australia Chair Wendy Archer said it was an absolute priority for the organisation to address and resolve individual player concerns about the partnership as soon as possible, commenting “Netball Australia has continually attempted to understand, support and work on a long-term solution to this matter which at this time remains unresolved.

“Hancock Prospecting met with the Origin Australian Diamonds leadership group the day after the concerns were raised to extend its support and commitment to Netball Australia and to share experiences, understand perspectives and support these cultural sensitivities through the partnership.

“We will facilitate a face-to-face meeting with Hancock Prospecting and the broader playing group in the coming days.

Archer said the players had been supportive throughout this process and refuted claims that the Diamonds had engaged in any form of boycott or refused to wear uniforms with the Hancock Prospecting logo during the recent games in New Zealand.

The statement claimed Netball Australia did not require the Hancock Prospecting dress to be worn during the Constellation Cup due to additional obligations placed on Netball Australia by the Australian Netball Players Association (ANPA).

Reports on Saturday suggested that Diamonds players had taken a stand against the new sponsor, whose backing had been seen as a lifeline for the financially troubled governing body, after being addressed by their former captain Sharni Norder who is now an ambassador for the Melbourne-based Sports Environment Alliance.

The Netball Australia statement advised that “since becoming aware of ‘cultural sensitivities’ raised by a Diamonds squad member in respect of the Hancock sponsorship uniform logo placement, Netball Australia and Hancock Prospecting have been working tirelessly to acknowledge and recognise the sensitivities, to further understand the concerns of that squad member and to provide avenues for support.

Archer, who replaced outgoing Chair Marina Go on Monday, also refuted claims of a lack of consultation with ANPA over the commercial partnership.

It remains to be seen whether the Diamonds will wear a uniform with a Hancock logo on it for the games against New Zealand on Wednesday and Sunday this week.

A recent survey from YouGov, Global Sports 2022: Uncovering the Socially Responsible Sports Fan, revealed that sport fans in 2022 have a concern about environmental, sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) issues with 47% of fans around the world considering whether brands are socially and environmentally responsible when making purchases.