Netball news: Netball Australia, Diamonds on verge of collective player agreement to ease pay tension

An ugly pay standoff between Netball Australia and its biggest stars has been avoided — but players will soon resume negotiations as they fight for a better long-term deal.

Diamonds vice-captain Steph Wood and captain Liz Watson.

Growing frustration within the Diamonds ranks over player remuneration is set to be quietened at least briefly ahead of next week’s series against New Zealand, with an enterprise bargaining agreement between Netball Australia and its national players imminent.

The interim deal, which replaces the expired Diamonds collective player agreement and runs until the end of this year, is likely to be signed this week ahead of international series against New Zealand’s Silver Ferns and the England Roses starting next Wednesday.

But the parties will head back to the negotiating table to work on a revenue share agreement for the future.

It’s understood tension had been building with Netball Australia refusing to sign off on a revenue share arrangement which would allow the Diamonds to receive a percentage of income brought in by the national team through items including ticketing, merchandise, broadcast and sponsorship.

The Diamonds are set to sign a new enterprise agreement ahead of this month’s Test series against New Zealand and England. Photo Mike Egerton/PA Wire.

But an ugly standoff has been avoided, with the signing of an interim deal which will allow players to concentrate on preparing for seven Tests over the next month against two of their biggest international rivals.

The Diamonds will receive an increase in match and camp payments under a deal lasting until the end of the year.

But players want a share in future revenues and will fight for what they believe is a fair percentage going forward in a bid to align themselves with the model used by almost every other major Australian sporting code.

The finalisation of the interim agreement will allow players to concentrate on being in camp and the upcoming four-Test Constellation Cup in New Zealand and Australia and following three-Test home series against the Roses.

Former Diamonds captain Sharni Norder says the sport’s top players should have the ability to share in the revenue they generate playing for the national team. Photo: Daniel Wilkins.

Former Australian captain Sharni Norder highlighted the issue in a series of tweets earlier this week following Netball Australia’s recent sponsorship deal with Hancock Prospecting.

Hi #GinaReinhart, I'm unsure if you're aware that ZERO dollars is being contributed to the athletes playing. The only way they can, is if they sell their soul to become an ambassador for #HancockProspecting. So re this article.. it is not "directly" going to the athletes at all. pic.twitter.com/qhVHgCa3Fe

— Sharni Norder (@SharniNorder) October 4, 2022

“Hi #GinaReinhart, I’m unsure if you’re aware that ZERO dollars is being contributed to the athletes playing,” Norder said.

“ … Most, if not all other professional sports get a share of what the governing body make. Why should Netball be any different?”

The Diamonds are in camp in Canberra this week before heading to New Zealand on Sunday ahead of the first Constellation Cup Test on Wednesday.