Netball Australia’s change of leadership has been embraced with significant cash boost

The Diamond’s hopes of going back-to-back in the netball world cup on home soil has received a significant cash boost from the Federal Government, with new leadership at NA embraced.

The Diamonds’ chances of retaining netball’s most significant title on home soil have received a $6 million boost after the Federal Government confirmed significant funding for the 2027 World Cup.

Netball Australia has worked its way back into the funding fold of the Albanese Government, with the change in the sport’s leadership already paying dividends after the sport was stripped of $18m in funding last year.

That money, part of a $30m pledge to the sport following the 2019 election, was lost following an unsatisfactory proposal to the Australian Sports Commission last year that was not only significantly overdue but presented an ineffective business case for the code.

But following a chance in leadership late last year, when now chief executive Stacey West stepped into the top role on an interim basis before being appointed permanently earlier this year, just ahead of former Diamonds captain Liz Ellis assuming the role of chair of the NA board, the government is back on board with netball.

The money will allow NA to accelerate planning for the event without having to disrupt its fight back from a perilous financial position and debt that less than two years ago threatened to cripple the sport.

Stacey West has been widely embraced as NA’s new CEO. Picture: Netball Australia

The Albanese Government and Federal Sports Minister Anika Wells confirmed the $6 million investment, part of the May budget, ahead of the naming of the 2024-25 Diamonds squad on Friday.

The pledge comes on top of $4m a year in general funding already provided to the sport in federal funding.

“The Albanese Government’s $6m investment will help deliver an exceptional Netball World Cup in 2027, and generate more opportunities for more future Diamonds,” Wells said.

“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 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 $6m 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 $200m Play Our Way fund for women and girls sporting infrastructure.”

Can Australia go back-to-back? Picture: Getty Images

Ellis thanked the Federal Government for their ongoing support for netball and the 2027 Netball World Cup.

“More women and girls play netball across Australia than any other code,” Ellis said.

“The Netball World Cup will be a celebration of their contribution to our great game for the past 100 years.

“The Super Netball League is the best league in the world, the Origin Australian Diamonds are the No. 1 team and defending World Cup champions and the 2027 Netball World Cup will be the greatest ever.”

Diamonds captain Liz Watson said the 2027 World Cup, to be held in Sydney, would be a pivotal moment for the sport in Australia – which will celebrate the sport’s centenary that year – and internationally.

“The Federal Government’s support will help to ensure it is a landmark event for netball in Australia and inspires the next generation of Australian Diamonds,” Watson said.

Originally published as Netball Australia’s change of leadership has been embraced with significant cash boost