Australian netball’s damaging civil war has finally come to an end as Netball Australia and the players have agreed to a groundbreaking three-year pay deal. The players will receive an 11% pay rise, effective immediately and backdated to October 1. In addition, they will also share in sponsorship revenue, receiving 20% of the revenue generated.
The interim CEO of Netball Australia, Stacey West, described the deal as a historic moment for the game. West emphasized the importance of the revenue share partnership, stating that it would ensure financial stability for the sport and set it up for future success. She also expressed her commitment to the growth and success of both top-level competitions and grassroots players.
The resolution comes after a bitter 10-month dispute that led to the resignation of former CEO Kelly Ryan just days ago. During the height of the crisis, players had been unemployed and without pay since October 1 when the previous deal expired. The players rejected a proposed 11% pay rise without a revenue share component, causing further tension.
Netball Australia’s players association CEO, Kathryn Harby-Williams, criticized the initial proposal as a publicity stunt. However, she hailed the agreement as a positive development, emphasizing the incentive the revenue sharing model provides for all parties to contribute to the growth of the game. Harby-Williams believes this marks a transformative step toward even greater achievements in the sport.
The dispute had escalated to the point where Diamonds players had faced the threat of legal action after many voiced their intention to boycott Netball Australia’s annual award ceremony. In a statement, the players clarified that they were only attending the event due to legal obligations.
This new pay deal brings an end to the turbulent period for Australian netball, restoring harmony and paving the way for a more stable future. The agreement not only rewards the players for their contributions but also signals a shared commitment to the development of the sport from both sides. With financial stability ensured, netball in Australia can now focus on nurturing future generations of players and achieving greater success on and off the court.
As the civil war comes to an end, Netball Australia and the players can move forward united, ready to build a thriving netball community and inspire new generations of athletes. This historic agreement sets the stage for a brighter future, ensuring that netball in Australia will continue to flourish and captivate audiences around the world.
