Netball Australia’s finances set to be boosted by Hancock Prospecting’s Diamonds sponsorship

An announcement that Hancock Prospecting has become the principal partner of the Australian Diamonds’ high performance program looks to represent a funding lifeline for the financially troubled Netball Australia.

The new three-year sponsorship sees the mining and agricultural business become a top-tier principal partner putting it at the same level as Suncorp which has had long-term naming rights to Super Netball.

The deal will mostly impact Australian national team, the Diamonds, as it prepares for next year’s World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa as well as the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria.

Hancock Prospecting’s branding will feature on the players’ uniform for the Constellation Cup clash with New Zealand in October and when the team takes on the England Roses.

The new signing will not impact Origin Energy’s naming rights to the Diamonds which was signed in February 2020 for a three-year term.

Advising that Hancock Prospecting’s partnership will be invested directly in the Diamonds’ athletes and coaches, and provide funding support for training camps and competitions, Netball Australia Chief Executive, Kelly Ryan stated “this is a major investment for our sport, and is a huge contribution towards the ongoing success of the Diamonds.

“We are incredibly grateful to this leading Australian private company, Hancock Prospecting, for its significant support and partnership.”

The backing of Hancock Prospecting and its Executive Chairman, Gina Rinehart, represents a significant boost for the governing body after its 2021/22 results showed a deficit of $4.36 million.

Hancock Prospecting is also a significant sponsor of Swimming Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee.