Netball Australia receives $6m funding for 2027 World Cup in Sydney as new players named for Diamonds

A big World Cup funding boost could help netball’s Olympic push for inclusion in Brisbane in 2032.

A $6m funding boost for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney could help organisers put on a show to help the sport’s push for Olympic inclusion in Brisbane in 2032.

As three debutants were included in an 18-player Diamonds squad that will build towards the home event, the funding commitment from the federal government was announced as another boost for a sport battling tough financial conditions.

The funding comes after $85m was invested in last year’s Women’s Football World Cup and with Netball Australia more than $4m in debt according to the most recent financial reports as expenses on the Super Netball competition continue to rise.

But NA boss Stacey West said the “significant” investment could hep create a tournament “celebrated around Australia”.

The Diamonds beat England in the final to win the world title in South Africa last year and will defend their crown on home turf in Sydney.

Netball Australia and World Netball are also pushing for the sport’s inclusion at the Brisbane Olympics in 2032 and the quality of the 2027 World Cup could play a leading role in helping cement that decision.

As host, Brisbane officials will get to choose a sport to be played at the Games.

Building towards Sydney 2027 💎

2024-2025 SQUAD DETAILS 👉 https://t.co/fjeh8tGo3rpic.twitter.com/OwHCbQ2mJs

— Origin Australian Diamonds (@AussieDiamonds) June 6, 2024

Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich continues to build for the future, including goalkeeper Ash Ervin (Sunshine Coast Lightning) and midcourters Georgie Horjus (Adelaide Thunderbirds) and Hannah Mundy (Melbourne Vixens) in her squad.

“This squad will build towards a home Netball World Cup in 2027, which will be a pivotal moment for our sport both in Australia and internationally,” Marinkovich said.

“We’ve been incredibly impressed with the standard at the Suncorp Super Netball level this year and with the development coming through Netball Australia’s pathway programs, including Fast5.

“We’re really excited about this squad, the blend of experience and youth and the individual skill-sets that the athletes bring.”

Two invitee athletes were also announced, with Lucy Austin (Adelaide Thunderbirds) and Emily Mannix (Melbourne Vixens) to join the squad at all training camps over the next 12 months.

Australian Diamonds squad:

Sunday Aryang (West Coast Fever), Kiera Austin (Melbourne Vixens), Courtney Bruce (Sunshine Coast Lightning), Sophie Dwyer (GIANTS Netball), Ash Ervin (Sunshine Coast Lightning), Sophie Garbin (Melbourne Vixens), Matilda Garrett (Adelaide Thunderbirds), Paige Hadley (NSW Swifts), Georgie Horjus (Adelaide Thunderbirds), Sarah Klau (NSW Swifts), Cara Koenen (Sunshine Coast Lightning), Kate Moloney (Melbourne Vixens), Hannah Mundy (Melbourne Vixens), Amy Parmenter (Melbourne Mavericks), Jamie-Lee Price (GIANTS Netball), Donnell Wallam (Queensland Firebirds), Liz Watson (Sunshine Coast Lightning), Joanna Weston (Melbourne Vixens).

Originally published as Netball Australia receives $6m funding for 2027 World Cup in Sydney as new players named for Diamonds