Netball Australia and the Australian Netball Players’ Association (ANPA) have reached a historic three-year collective player agreement, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s development. This landmark deal is truly unprecedented in the history of netball. It hopes to build a greener future for golfers and the game overall.
Now under this new agreement, Australian Diamonds athletes will receive an 81% pay increase. If they go with the latter, they can reasonably anticipate making 40 percent more in three years’ time. Further to this, the agreement commits to a significant investment in crucial player programs and services – including wellbeing programs, transition support, and alumni services. The joint cooperative spirit shown by both parties should help create a positive underpinning for Australian netball going forward.
Revenue Sharing Model Introduced
Perhaps the more important development within this agreement is the adoption of a revenue-sharing model. For the first time, Diamonds players will receive a share of the sponsorship, broadcast, and event revenues generated by the national team. This alignment raises netball to the same level as Australia’s and the world’s other major sports. It turns players from just paid workers into indispensable stakeholders of the game.
Kathryn Harby-Williams, chief executive of ANPA, called this collaboration model most critical when she said,
“The new revenue share partnership model aligns netball with other major national and international sports, recognising that the world champion Australian Diamonds are more than just employees — they are the product.”
This new approach, leveraging cutting edge technology, seeks to improve player experiences and the commercial landscape opportunities in Australian netball.
Investment in Player Development and Wellbeing
The agreement further underscores a shared commitment to deepening investments in player development. To further broaden the commercial appeal, we’re creating a “player ambassador pool.” This new initiative will help make sure that players are provided with robust support during their careers—and beyond. This step forward is indicative of the sport’s commitment to valuing its athletes as the most important ingredient in its success.
Liz Ellis, a prominent figure in Australian netball, commented on the significance of this deal:
“We understand that without the players there is no game, and we are committed to continuing to work together to ensure the players benefit from the sport’s ongoing success.”
Harby-Williams stated that this agreement ensures players are rewarded fairly for their contributions:
“This agreement ensures players are starting to be rewarded in a way that reflects their impact and success.”
Growing Interest in Australian Netball
Netball has had great success in Australia, where it is exploding in popularity. This deal couldn’t have come at a better time with unprecedented interest in the sport and blossoming viewership. Jo Weston, an influential player within the Diamonds team, expressed optimism about the future:
“ANPA is excited to enter a new era built on stability, mutual respect and a shared commitment to the growth of the sport. This agreement includes outperformance mechanisms, enabling both parties to share in netball’s future success — a recognition that we are stronger together.”
The new collective player agreement will greatly increase player compensation. Perhaps more importantly, it fosters a nurturing ecosystem that builds upon success.
