Netball Australia's new leadership secures $6 million Federal Government funding for 2027 World Cup

Netball Australia has today welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that it will invest $6 million in the Sydney 2027 Netball World Cup.

Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells joined Netball Australia Chief Executive Stacey West in Brisbane today to make the announcement, which will see the funds used to support the planning and delivery of the next Netball World Cup, which will coincide with Netball Australia’s centenary.

The funding aims to ensure all netball participants are celebrated, with a particular focus on the history of netball and First Nations Peoples.

However, the funding is less than half of the $18 million withheld from the sport last November with Minister Wells advising at that time that “a satisfactory proposal has not been received (from Netball Australia) that would enable appropriate use of these taxpayer funds.”

However, with West in place as the sport’s new Chief Executive and Liz Ellis elected Chair as of last month, these new funds have been secured from the Federal Government.

Minister Wells confirmed the $6 million investment, part of the May budget, ahead of the naming of the 2024/25 Diamonds squad on Friday.

It comes on top of $4 million a year in general funding already provided to the sport via the Australian Sports Commission.

In a statement released this morning, Minister Wells advised that the “investment will help deliver an exceptional Netball World Cup in 2027, and generate more opportunities for more future Diamonds.

“Netball has the highest participation numbers for women and girls in Australian sport and their participation drives health, social and economic benefits, as well as the (Federal) Government’s gender equality agenda.

“Netball plays a key role in the community, particularly in rural areas and is visible inspiration for young women and girls to live healthier lives.

“Our $6 million funding again shows our commitment to invest in women and girls, building on the $85 million invested for last year’s Women’s Football World Cup, the 2022 Women’s Basketball World Cup and the $200 million Play Our Way fund for women and girls sporting infrastructure.”

Thanking the Federal Government for their investment in the sport, West advised “for 97 years, Netball Australia has led the way for women and girls on and off the netball court. This will be a Netball World Cup hosted in Sydney and celebrated around Australia.

“We thank the Federal Government and Minister Wells for their significant investment in netball. Their support will assist in the planning and delivery of the Sydney 2027 Netball World Cup.

“With the support of the Federal Government complementing the support already received from the NSW Government via their tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, the organisation for 2027 has well and truly started.”

The 2027 Netball World Cup is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

Images: Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells with Netball Australia Chief Executive Stacey West, Origin Australian Diamonds head coach Stacey Marinkovich and Origin Australian Diamonds Courtney Bruce, Ash Ervin, Cara Koenen and Liz Watson at the Downey Park Netball Association in Brisbane at today’s announcement (top) and Minister Wells with the Diamonds stars (below). Credit: Netball Australia.