Picture: stock
A possible expansion of Super Netball to include New Zealand teams has not been ruled out, says Netball Australia CEO Stacey West.
A review into Super Netball and future opportunities is under way, led by former cricket executive Stephanie Beltrame.
“There is huge value in the opportunity to have the world’s best players in this country,” she says in a Netball Australia statement.
“It continues to drive the standard of the game to new heights; this translates to the Australian Diamonds’ success, and the performances of other competing nations.”
She wouldn’t rule out New Zealand involvement.
“At present all options are being explored,” she says, adding that there has been “no decision at this point in time.
“We need the data and the analysis to make informed decisions for our game’s future.’’
She says the review will be viewed by the Netball Australia board in December ahead of its 2025 implementation for netball in Australia and not just the governing body.
The NSW Swifts have been boosted by the signing of Silver Fern goal-shoot Grace Mweke and the re-signing of Kiwi Test player Silver Fern Elle Temu.
Temu will remain at the Swifts next year after re-signing as a training partner for the 2025 Super Netball after she moved to Sydney and played five times.
“We need to keep ensuring that we do the best for Australian netball, too,” West says.
“My guiding principle is growth; it’s about doing what’s best for the sport and our Australian netball talent pipeline. A lot of that will be determined over the next six months which is exciting.’’
The Super Netball League features 80 full-playing contracts and training partner opportunities across eight teams with no cap on imports.
West says that any change must be thoroughly considered and carefully managed as its centenary approaches in 2027.
WORLD CUP
With the 2027 Netball World Cup to be held in Sydney, the NSW Government has given $1.5 million for a Legacy Program to support the World Cup efforts as well as a new infrastructure strategy.
The Legacy Program will spend $1 million on participation initiatives, training and development of Netball NSW staff and volunteers with $500,000 for planning and studies to support growth plans for the sport in the state.
The 2027 Netball World Cup will feature the world’s top 16 teams across 60 games.
