Details of historic new pay deal for Australia’s netballers revealed

There were lots of tears and revelations of players living in cars during a bitter pay war that has finally delivered a win for Australia’s netballers.

Average salaries for Australia’s netballers will rise to just under $90,000 and players will get a share of revenue as part of the landmark deal agreed to after a bitter pay dispute between the players and Netball Australia.

The full details of the new agreement have been revealed a day after Kelly Ryan resigned as NA chief executive.

It comes after acrimonious negotiations that left Super Netball players without pay for more than nine weeks and led to an emotional outpouring from players’ association president, and Diamonds star, Jo Weston.

The new deal was labelled “historic” and one that will “reward players and continue to grow the sport in the future”, with all players to receive back pay from October 1 when their contracts expired.

Australia’s World Cup winners have had a pay war win. Picture: Rodger Bosch / AFP

Key elements of the new agreement include:

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

• 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.

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

NA interim chief executive Stacey West said the long-term deal provided certainty for the Suncorp Netball League for the next three years.

“The new revenue share partnership with the players is a historic moment for the game that will set up netball for future success and ensure financial stability for the sport,’’ she said.

“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.’’

Jo Weston fought hard for the players. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images for Netball Australia

Australian Netball Players’ Association chief executive Kathryn Harby-Williams said the deal would benefit the whole sport.

“It’s a historic day for netball players and for the sport,” Harby-Williams said.

“It’s a day when revenue sharing enters netball for the first time with all of the benefits this brings.

“The operating model for netball has changed for the better, 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.”

With the deal now complete, the contract signing window for all Super Netball teams and players will open at 4pm AEDT on Wednesday, giving players a chance for the security they have lacked since October.