Australia's national netball team, the Diamonds, secured their 12th World Cup title last month, but the victory masks a deepening financial crisis within the sport's governing body. Netball Australia is millions of dollars in debt and unable to offer players a pay rise, raising concerns about the sport's future.
Former Diamonds captain Liz Ellis highlighted the stress caused by the financial uncertainty, while ex-player Sharni Norder described the sport as 'stagnant'. Despite netball being the highest team participation sport among young women in Australia, the governing body has struggled to convert grassroots success into revenue for its elite league, Super Netball.
Netball Australia recorded losses of $7.2 million during the COVID-19 pandemic. A proposed $15 million sponsorship from Hancock Prospecting fell through in 2022 after players objected. Even after a new deal from the Victorian Government, the organisation remains $4.2 million in debt, according to CEO Kelly Ryan.
Players rejected a 2 per cent pay rise offer earlier this year, with many considering switching to other sports like AFLW for better pay. Netball Australia is now seeking a share of the $200 million federal government funding for women's sport, hoping to reinvest in the game and bridge the gap between participation and fandom.
