Comment: Why selling Super Netball grand final to Perth is the right call

Selling Super Netball’s grand final to the highest bidder makes economic sense for a code in financial trouble. Upset clubs and fans need to face the reality, writes Selina Steele.

Ladder leaders Melbourne Vixens are most upset by the grand final decision.

The timing’s not great but the business nous is.

With two weeks left to play in Suncorp Super netball’s home and away season - clubs and players were blindsided by the timing of Wednesday’s revelation that the Grand Final had been sold to Perth.

Understandably people in club land were upset.

Outside of pandemic interruptions, the winning team of the major semi-final has almost in all cases been awarded the right to host the decider.

Watch Suncorp Super Netball on Kayo. Every game of every round LIVE. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now >

But outside of the timing, and absence of clear communication, the decision by Netball Australia to profitise the game’s showpiece game is to be applauded.

Let’s be clear - the game we love is in financial trouble. Millions of dollars in trouble.

In an candid interview with News Corp earlier this year, Ryan was transparent about the financial challenges facing netball.

That Ryan has auctioned off the Grand Final reflects just how shaky this financial position is.

And as much as the move is unprecedented, Ryan — as CEO — is ultimately responsible for the bottom line.

Is it quick money - yes, but is it desperately needed - yes.

Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan.

The clubs should feel hard done by but in the cold harsh light of economic times in 2022, the decision also reflects a CEO committed to turning things around.

Criticism that the title will mean less if not won on a home court is absurd to the likes of AFL fans where the GF remains locked in at the MCG - or even league fans where a Sydney venue host the GF. All based on economic reasoning.

And to the minor premiership fans that say they miss the opportunity to watch a Grand Final ... well that’s true. Again, as it is for AFL and NRL fans.

But I’ve watched plenty of netball this season, on Fox but also a couple of live games of SSN - where were those fans?

Are these the same ones complaining now?

Ladder leaders Melbourne Vixens are most upset by the grand final decision.

It may feel like a slap in the face but the shift for netball to become a business is sound in a competitive sport space.

My only complaint is did Ryan negotiate a fair price?

The grand final buy-in, believed to be worth $300,000 as part of an overall $650,000 gross deal for five years, is a bargain buy for the premier domestic competition in the world.

Personally, I think Ryan should have asked for more.