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Supporting players' push for a fair share of netball's growth

Published July 25, 2026 at 9:02 PM UTC

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Elite netball players in Australia are right to demand a better pay deal. The sport has never been more popular, with record crowds and TV audiences for the Super Netball league. Major sponsors have poured in, and broadcast rights fees have risen sharply. Yet player salaries have not kept pace. Many athletes juggle training and competition with part-time jobs to make ends meet. The players are the ones who drive the sport's appeal and generate its revenue. Without them, the product collapses. Fair compensation is not just about recognition—it's about retaining the best talent. Other countries, including England and New Zealand, are increasing their investment in netball, and Australia risks losing players to overseas leagues or even other sports. A deal that rewards players appropriately will also send a strong signal to young athletes that netball can be a viable career, encouraging wider participation and long-term growth. The players are not asking for an unrealistic sum; they are asking for a fair share of the success they help create.