World Netball has unveiled ambitious plans to transform the Netball World Cup into a biennial event, starting from 2027. This strategic move aims to address the uncertainties surrounding the Commonwealth Games and ensure the sport's sustained growth.

Biennial World Cup: A New Era

Traditionally held every four years, the Netball World Cup will now occur every two years. This change is designed to provide more frequent opportunities for international competition and maintain the sport's visibility on the global stage. The next tournament is set to take place in Australia in 2027.

Addressing Commonwealth Games Uncertainties

The long-term future of the Commonwealth Games has been uncertain, with host nations facing rising costs and logistical challenges. Netball, which has been an official Commonwealth Games sport since 1998, has relied on this event to showcase its appeal. By transitioning to a biennial World Cup, World Netball aims to control its destiny and reduce dependency on the Commonwealth Games.

Introducing Men's Netball

In a groundbreaking development, World Netball plans to introduce a men's World Cup competition. Men's netball has been gaining momentum globally, with national teams and clubs emerging in regions such as Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, and Africa. England men played their first international match in October 2022, and Australia has been running a men's and mixed netball championship for over 40 years.

Future Plans and Olympic Aspirations

World Netball is also launching a new biennial event starting in November 2028, which will take place in non-World Cup years. This initiative aims to provide consistent opportunities for competition and avoid disruption to domestic leagues. Additionally, the governing body is committed to building a strong case for netball's inclusion in the Olympic Games.

Leadership and Vision

Fiona Harold, CEO of World Netball, emphasized the importance of these decisions in sustaining and growing the sport. "We need to be proactive about future-proofing ourselves given the uncertainty around the Commonwealth Games post 2026," she said. "These decisions allow us to control our destiny and it's positive news for everyone."

Conclusion

The transition to a biennial Netball World Cup and the introduction of men's netball mark significant milestones in the sport's evolution. These initiatives aim to enhance global competitiveness, provide more opportunities for players, and strengthen netball's position on the international sports stage.