The growing number of Netball World Cups has led to debate about the costs involved and the advantages received by countries who take part. World Netball is working to create a men’s World Cup alongside new divisions within the women’s tournament. This transition is changing the face of the sport at breakneck speed. The logistical costs needed to host and send teams are still a major issue, especially for the smaller nations.
Cyrus Medora, an influential member of the netball community, talks about the financial burden of hosting a World Cup. He adds that these costs vary dramatically between countries. He argues that the smallest countries are the most severely financially limited. Consequently, they can find themselves unable to ever win a chance to host more than once every 20 years. The more popular the sport becomes, the more fraught and costly its marquee events seem to be.
The financial cost of sending a team to compete at these international events is significant. When you consider the travel, lodging, and support staff that accompany these athletes, the costs can well exceed $70,000. This problem has forced entities such as Netball Jamaica to act. They’re starting Go Fund Me campaigns to raise money for things like kits and travel.
Financial Barriers to Hosting
Now, with more World Cups on the horizon, Medora sheds light on the burdensome costs to would-be hosts. In Singapore, the predicted cost of holding a World Cup has ballooned. It increased from $4.8 million in 2011 to a jaw-dropping $6-7 million these days!
“For Singapore, I believe we would now need at least $6-7 million to host now … Back in 2011, it was about $4.8 million.” – Cyrus Medora
For countries hoping to host, Medora stresses that they need to have a lot of money on hand from their sports ministries and tourism boards. And of course, sponsorships, ticket sales and merchandise revenue are essential in offsetting these expenses. The reality of the financial space is a tough one – particularly for smaller countries that have a hard time amassing the needed resources.
The value of hosting a World Cup goes well beyond the cash. As Medora points out, it’s a hosting boom, turning out massive amounts of revenue. For example, Singapore received about $2.4 million in net revenue from their last round of hosting. The federal government contributed by waiving an array of taxes, which provided further financial relief and helped alleviate some burdens.
“Overall, we generated about $2.4 million at current rates in net revenue and were fortunate that the government waived the 22 per cent withholding tax when making payments to World Netball and the 15 other countries.” – Cyrus Medora
Shifts in Qualification and Competition
New qualification process requirements would go into effect beginning in 2029. This transition will likely be a big shock in some areas, particularly in Asia. The new format will bring a permanent change to the time of the tournament, moving it to November. This amendment represents a significant shift in the manner teams qualify for and participate in World Cups to come.
Medora worries that this new system will replicate the trend of rewarding larger countries more. This has sparked a deep and global conversation about whether the competition’s centerpiece tournament should only include the teams that can most afford to participate.
“Do we want the showpiece event to only feature teams that can afford to be there?” – Paige Hadley
Even with these challenges in mind, there are still many upsides to having competitions more often. Kath Tetley thinks more frequent tournaments can help create better preparation before and performance during the tournament from every country involved.
“I actually think it challenges us to be good and be consistent more often, especially with a faster 24-month rotation of the cycle rather than 48 months to build towards success.” – Kath Tetley
Bringing in biennial World Cups would increase World Netball’s ability to support its regional members. This modification would more greatly encourage competitive balance between countries.
The Future of Netball World Cups
As of 2027, Australia will have hosted the Netball World Cup four times, while New Zealand and England will have each hosted three times. That would mean that Singapore and Jamaica will have hosted the final tournament twice, with Trinidad & Tobago, Scotland, and South Africa each hosting once.
Now rising costs and logistical challenges have made it so most nations can’t afford to participate in this global event. According to Medora, even the smallest of nations have a fighting chance in these contests. With smart planning and sufficient funding, they can realize huge dividends.
“Plus, the publicity and exposure could lead to increased financial support for the smaller netball countries from their sports ministries.” – Cyrus Medora
Co-ACT participant Rose Helen Housby explains why getting involved is more important than where you can get involved. She feels like competing on an international stage is the greatest thing ever. No matter the location of the tournaments, the experience is inestimable.
“I would rather go back to the same country and play on the world stage than not do it at all.” – Rose Helen Housby
The potential for generating significant interest from fans and sponsors remains a promising aspect of the future of Netball World Cups. World Netball is dedicated to providing the most accessible environment possible for all competing nations. They will do this by managing their resources wisely and planning strategically.
