AUSTRALIA has won the right to host the 2027 Netball World Cup, a coup that secures a range of major benefits for the nation’s number one participation sport.
The marquee event will see 16 national teams gather in Sydney to battle for the title of world champion and will coincide with Australian netball’s centenary celebrations.
It also becomes the ninth World Cup to be awarded in New South Wales’ ambitious 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative.
Netball Australia Chair Paolina Hunt announced the successful bid in Sydney this morning and said securing the 2027 World Cup was another critical step in the rapid development of the sport.
‘’An enormous amount of work went into our bid and it’s thrilling to think that we can now begin to transform our vision into reality.
‘’We know that netball plays a key role in connecting and empowering young women and girls and an event such as this is a North star for young athletes who can now dream of working to represent the Diamonds in front of huge home crowds.’’
Ms Hunt thanked the International Netball Federation for its rigorous assessment of Australia’s bid and praised the ambitious and far-sighted support of the New South Wales and Federal Governments.
A key element of Australia’s bid was a post-tournament legacy that will deliver lasting benefits for women and girls both within netball and the broader community.
‘’We acknowledge the responsibility of winning an event such as this and will work to ensure that lasting benefits will be enjoyed by communities throughout New South Wales, Australia and the region,’’ Ms Hunt said.
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the event would be a major on-going boost to the state.
“We are delighted to be welcoming the world’s best netballers and their supporters and families to NSW for this event in 2027, which will deliver enormous economic and social benefits to our state for years to come,” Ms Berejiklian said.
International Netball Federation President Liz Nicholl, CBE, said ‘’ Australia put in a strong bid and we are confident they will deliver an excellent event in the city of Sydney, as we have seen Netball Australia do so in the past.”
“As our sport continues to grow and evolve at an unprecedented rate around the globe, we look forward to working with the Organising Committee and Netball Australia on netball’s growth and development whilst delivering a thrilling world-class event that will no doubt inspire all and work towards creating a better world through netball.”
The 2023 Netball World Cup will be held in Cape Town South Africa with the Origin Australian Diamonds also due to compete for national honours at next year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
