Netball contract spree to begin today as CPA is finally signed off after bitter pay war

Super Netball contracts can be officially signed from this afternoon to begin a week-long spree after a new Collective Player Agreement was finally signed off. See the upgraded pay and conditions for the players.

The Diamonds - such as Jo Weston, Paige Hadley, Liz Watson, Steph Wood and Courtney Bruce - were at the heart of a netball pay war which is finally over. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images for Netball Australia

At last. Super Netball contracting is set to commence today at 4pm, after Netball Australia and the eight clubs signed off on a new three-year Collective Player Agreement with the Australian Netball Players’ Association.

The long-delayed contracting window will run through to 5pm next Tuesday,

NA and ANPA announced via media release on Wednesday morning ahead of a press conference scheduled for early afternoon in Melbourne.

The final tick-off on the agreement was interim CEO Stacey West’s first major act in conjunction with ANPA boss Kathryn Harby-Williams, after some minor sticking points over clauses and other matters had pushed back the finalisation of an agreement revealed by CODE Sports on December 2.

NA’s CEO Kelly Ryan informed the Wendy Archer-led board on Tuesday morning of her resignation following an often-controversial 30 months in the top job.

Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan fell on her sword after the pay war. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Hailed as a “landmark partnership”, which also includes long-term Team Licence Agreements, the key elements of the CPA include:

– Players will receive an immediate 11 per cent pay rise over three years, with back pay to 1 October.

– The average potential salary will rise to $89,221 and minimum salaries will rise to $46,600 over the term of the CPA.

– Netball Australia and the players will enter into a landmark sponsorship revenue sharing partnership where players receive 20 per cent of revenue above an agreed sponsorship forecast.

– The players will work closely with the game’s commercial partners to grow the sport, including additional earning potential for players through increases to commercial caps.

-The introduction of an 11th player, whereby one nominated training partner per team is eligible for selection outside of injury or illness on a 6-month minimum salary contract.

– The establishment of a Professional Netball Committee, with formal ANPA representation to work collaboratively through new opportunities for continued progression for athletes and the growth of the league.

Australian Netball Players’ Association boss Kathryn Harby-Williams. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

West hailed the new revenue share deal, which was the most contentious element of negotiations that started back in February, as a move ‘that will set up netball for future success and ensure financial stability for the sport.

“Netball Australia and Suncorp Super Netball players love our sport and we are all committed to the growth and success of not only top-level competition but also future generations of grassroots players.”

Harby-Williams also hailed the new operating model, “particularly at a time when there is competition for talented female athletes, many of whom come through the netball ranks.

“Netball is now a sport which incentivises players and administrators alike to grow the game for the benefit of all who love and invest in it. This is a stepping stone to even greater things for the sport.”

Significant player moves already confirmed by CODE include Diamonds captain Liz Watson and star defender Courtney Bruce to the Sunshine Coast Lightning from the Melbourne Vixens and West Coast Fever respectively, and the completion of the new Melbourne Mavericks’ foundation roster.

Training partners can be signed from January 8.

Originally published as Netball contract spree to begin today as CPA is finally signed off after bitter pay war