Netball Australia’s failed deal with Gina Rinehart put Diamonds tour at risk

Just two months after the Gina Rinehart sponsorship fell over, Netball Australia has struggled to come up with the money in the high performance budget to send the Diamonds to South Africa.

The relationship between Netball Australia and the Diamonds remains fraught in the wake of the Hancock Prospecting sponsorship breakdown, with players’ attendance at a major international tournament in limbo until the eleventh hour.

Netball Australia confirmed on Friday the Diamonds would take part in next month’s Quad Series in Cape Town after Netball South Africa announced dates and the draw for the January 22-26 (AEDT) tournament.

Rough timing of the event has long been known but it’s understood Diamonds players were warned the collapse of the proposed $15 million Hancock sponsorship meant their participation in the tournament - usually a given - was in doubt.

Even after the Victorian Government - through its events arm Visit Victoria - stepped in with a deal that kicks in from the start of next year, there were suggestions Netball Australia’s dire financial position would not be able to accommodate the high performance spend.

NA boss Kelly Ryan was not available for a one-on-one interview with News Corp, however provided written responses to questions.

Netball Australia’s vulnerable financial position almost saw them not be able to send the team to South Africa for the Quad Series in January. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

NA confirmed they undertook due diligence on whether they could afford to go to South Africa but the importance of the event as a stepping stone to the World Cup had them commit to the short tour.

“Netball Australia assesses all international opportunities for the Origin Australian Diamonds, considering a wide range of factors including travel and timing,” Ryan said.

“The Australian Diamonds playing group was aware that the withdrawal of the (Hancock) sponsorship could have an impact on Netball Australia’s plans and activities.

“Netball Australia is incredibly pleased that the Diamonds will be participating in January’s Netball Quad Series a key lead-up event to the World Cup in July 2023 that will also be played in South Africa.”

Hancock Prospecting sensationally withdrew its $15 million funding offer for Netball Australia in October, citing in part the relationship between players and head office and that it did not want to “add to netball’s disunity problems”.

“Hancock and Roy Hill were not made aware prior to the proposed partnerships of the complexity of existing issues between Netball Australia and the Players Association,” a statement released by the company on October 22 said.

While that tension included a pay deal that the parties have worked through for the Quad Series, it seems there is still angst between the two bodies, with the Diamonds still unsure of their participation in Cape Town just six weeks out from the tournament.

Netballer Lauren Morgan posted this shot to social media showing the Hancock Prospecting logo was meant to sponsor the team before the deal fell through. Source: Supplied

When asked when the players were informed they would take part in the tournament, Ryan responded: “Netball Australia was delighted to have recently advised the Australian Diamonds playing group that January’s Netball Quad Series against South Africa, England and New Zealand was confirmed”.

“The Netball Quad Series is an important aspect of the Origin Australian Diamonds preparation for the 2023 Netball World Cup,” Ryan said.

“For the first time in the event’s history, the Netball Quad Series will be played in Cape Town, South Africa. Importantly, it will be played at the same venue and in a similar environment to the 2023 Netball World Cup.

“The Origin Australian Diamonds will come up against the some of the world’s top netball nations in what is an important opportunity to work on playing combinations and on-court connection.”

In announcing its withdrawal, Hancock said the company “will instead provide a 4-month sponsorship (to both NA and Netball WA) should they and their players wish to accept it, to continue funding the athletes and to help Netball (sic) as it arranges alternative funding and sponsorships”.

The Victorian Government stepped in to sponsor the team after the Hancock sponsorship was pulled. (AAP Image/James Ross)

News Corp understands Hancock is no longer financially supporting NA.

When asked, Ryan referenced the Visit Victoria deal but stopped short of confirming the Hancock money had ceased.

“Hancock Prospecting’s offer of a four-month sponsorship was subject to conditions including Netball Australia committing to a new partner in that time frame,” Ryan’s statement said.

“Netball Australia announced a partnership with Visit Victoria that will showcase netball at the national and international levels for the next five years.

“The partnership will commence from 2023, with Visit Victoria joining as a major partner of Netball Australia and a platinum partner of the Origin Australian Diamonds.”

Originally published as Netball Australia’s failed deal with Gina Rinehart put Diamonds tour at risk