Netball Australia and the players’ association have agreed to a landmark revenue-sharing deal as part of a new three-year collective player agreement (CPA).
The new CPA marks the first such model in the sport’s history, with players to receive a share of the sponsorship, broadcast and event revenue generated by the national team.
Netball Australia chief executive Stacey West said the deal would allow the sport to continue to grow from record crowds, broadcast audiences and fan interest seen in recent years.
Diamonds great Liz Ellis said the new deal set a “benchmark for women’s team sports in Australia”.
“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,” the Netball Australia chair said in a statement.
“Especially as we head towards the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney and our ambitions for Olympic inclusion in 2032.”
Diamonds players are set for a pay rise of about 40 per cent over the course of the deal, which also includes investment in player programs and services — including wellbeing, transition and alumni support — as well as a new “player ambassador pool” aimed at developing commercial opportunities.
There are record levels of interest and audiences for Australian netball at the moment. (Getty Images: Graham Denholm)
Kathryn Harby-Williams, chief executive of the Australian Netball Players’ Association (ANPA), said the platform is now laid for a more sustainable future for the sport.
“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,” she said.
“This agreement ensures players are starting to be rewarded in a way that reflects their impact and success.
“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.”
ANPA president and current Melbourne Vixens premiership winner Jo Weston hailed the new pay deal, but singled out the increased investment in programs and services to improve players’ wellbeing.
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