Super Netball News: Latest updates on pay dispute between players and Netball Australia

Netball Australia has been accused of ‘weaponising’ the pay dispute with the sport’s star players, with the latest Collective Player Agreement set to be rejected as things turn ugly.

Super Netball players are set to reject Netball Australia’s latest pay offer, accusing head office of “weaponising” the looming contract deadline as negotiations over the Collective Player Agreement get ugly.

In a letter seen by CODE Sports, the Australian Netball Players Association (ANPA), which is seeking a one-year deal rather than the three years offered by NA, is advising players to reject the governing body’s latest offer, accusing them of “behaviours … which are making progress difficult”.

With just 31 days until all Super Netball players are out of contract and therefore, unpaid, ANPA has accused NA of putting “deadline pressure” on players in a bid to get a deal done.

NA wants a three-year deal which will run until the end of the current broadcast agreement and in a statement, said it had put forward a strong deal which includes a nine per cent pay rise (three per cent per year) over the course of the agreement, “with a profit share mechanism introduced”.

While this revenue share agreement was believed to be the main sticking point for a deal, it’s understood ANPA are disputing figures, accusing NA in their communications with players of “failing to develop and share a detailed understanding of the true financial operations of netball”.

Players of the Thunderbirds celebrate winning this year’s Super Netball championships. Picture: Getty

ANPA therefore wants a single-year deal until further explanation of the figures underpinning the revenue-share model.

While NA believes its three-year deal would allow for multi-year contracts and stability for the league, ANPA is arguing for a three per cent rise over 12 months with the ability to offer one, two or three-year contracts which could be amended if a later CPA warrants changes.

NA’s 12-month offer is for just two per cent though, infuriating ANPA and players.

The players association says NA has engaged in a pattern of cancelling and postponing meetings, blowing out turnaround times and failing to engage in meaningful discussions about player priorities or innovative financial models.

But in coming to the table on revenue share and contract-length, as well as a pay rise despite being transparent around its own debt, NA believes it is making a fair and genuine offer.

“The three-year deal would allow for multi-year contracts for players and provide stability and security for athletes, teams and the league,” a NA statement said.

The players union is unimpressed with the progress of negotiations with Netball Australia. Picture: Getty

“In the spirit of partnership, Netball Australia has also proposed a profit-share model which sees players rewarded as the Suncorp Super Netball competition grows.

“This three-year deal has not been supported by the ANPA, who instead want a one-year agreement.

“Due to this Netball Australia has put forward a one-year rollover of the current CPA with a two per cent pay increase for players.”

ANPA though is standing firm, believing the offer “effectively robs Peta to pay Peta by funding wage increases from a player payment pool”.

It also wants consultation on an improved parental and pregnancy policy; increased elite player opportunities; removal of commercial restrictions which reduces barriers to extra earnings for players; and ANPA funding to improve member support and advocacy in areas such as wellbeing, player transition and alumni, education and hardship”.

“Look after each other as we fight for a fair partnership,” the ANPA letter to players said.

“We will not be pressured by a weaponising of the September 30 deadline.”

Originally published as Super Netball News: Latest updates on pay dispute between players and Netball Australia