New TV Deal for Netball: A Step Forward, But More Work Needed
The recent announcement of a new free-to-air television deal for netball has sparked discussions about the future of the sport in Australia. Jo Weston, a key figure in the Australian netball players’ association and a member of the Diamonds team, has called for increased pay for athletes following the deal’s confirmation.
Weston emphasized that the agreement opens up new opportunities for the sport. “Obviously we’re going to have to go back to the negotiating table now that we have a broadcast deal that has been signed,” she said on ABC Offsiders. The five-year deal, which will run until 2031, involves Nine broadcasting every Super Netball match, all Australian Diamonds matches, and the 2027 World Cup, which will be held in Sydney.
This marks a significant shift from previous arrangements, where Fox Sports had exclusive rights to stream games through their platforms. With this new deal, netball will be accessible without a paywall for the first time in five years.
Weston described the move as a “momentous occasion” and highlighted the importance of making the sport available to fans and potential new supporters. She noted that the partnership with Nine is set to begin on January 1, 2027, after Foxtel’s $35 million deal expires.
While the exact financial details of the new deal are still unclear, Weston expressed hope that the revenue generated would benefit the players directly. The union has long advocated for revenue share models, which would allow netballers to receive a portion of the income generated by the sport.
This was a major point of contention during the 2023 Collective Player Agreement (CPA), which saw public disputes between the sport’s governing body and the players. The latest deal, signed in September 2025, includes a provision for national players to receive a share of the revenue from sponsorships, broadcasts, and event sales.
Weston pointed out that broadcast is just one part of the revenue stream for netball players. Other sources include ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorship deals. “We’re signing badges with our faces on them and at the moment players don’t get a percentage of that revenue,” she told ABC.
She stressed the need for netball to remain competitive in a market that includes other women’s sports such as AFLW, NRLW, and the WNBL. “So I feel like if we want to continue to remain the sport for girls, it’s a very competitive market out there. We want to make sure that we’re capitalising and keeping players in the sport and wanting to become netballers.”
Kathryn Harby-Williams, chief executive of the union, echoed these sentiments when discussing the last CPA. She said the platform was 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.”
Key Points from the New Deal
- The new five-year deal with Nine will ensure free-to-air access to all Super Netball and Diamonds matches.
- The agreement runs until 2031 and includes coverage of the 2027 World Cup.
- The deal replaces Foxtel’s previous $35 million contract.
- Players hope the new arrangement will lead to greater revenue sharing.
- Revenue comes from multiple sources, including broadcasts, sponsorships, and merchandise.
- The union continues to push for fair compensation for athletes.