Latest news with #NetballAustralia
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
2025 Super Netball Reserves live stream: Watch every game of finals and play-in tournament
Netball fans right across Australia will get a unique glimpse at the future of the sport when the Super Netball Reserves finals light up screens around the country. KommunityTV and Code Sports are joining forces with Netball Australia to broadcast every match from the Super Netball Reserves finals series from June 20-22, as well as the lead up play-in tournament. The play-in tournament will feature the Tasmania Wild, Capital Darters and Territory Storm, and will be played across three days in the week leading into the finals series. The results of the play in tournament matches will have a bearing on the finals match-ups. The Super Netball Reserves competition, which is into its second year, has expanded in 2025 with more than 40 games played across the season. The tournament features reserves sides affiliated with each Suncorp Super Netball franchise, and was developed as part of the development pathway for emerging elite netball talent. The Super Netball Reserves features athletes who are in or on the verge of Super Netball, including training partners and state league players. West Coast Fever have already booked their spot in Sunday's grand final showdown as they climbed to a unassailable lead atop the Super Netball Reserves rankings. The Fever managed to knock off rivals Swifts Academy in a one-point thriller over the weekend, securing their grand final spot. While the Fever's finals dream might be set in stone, the race to fill the spot opposite them is wide open heading into the final round of the competition this weekend. All eight Super Netball Reserves sides and the three state sides will feature in the finals series across three days of action. As part of the Code Sports/Kommunity TV partnership, the finals series and play-in matches will be live streamed for all Code Sports subscribers and for News Corp Australia digital metro subscribers.
ABC News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Remi Kamo claims Queensland Firebirds investigation was mishandled
Independent investigators probing a formal complaint made about the Queensland Firebirds are being accused of not interviewing key witnesses, while another former player has told ABC Sport of similar distrust with the system. Remi Kamo and the Australian Netball Players' Association (ANPA) released separate statements on Wednesday, voicing concerns about the potential mishandling of the investigation that followed Kamo's complaint about the culture at the Firebirds. In March, the investigation concluded, Photo shows A player hunches over with a hand across their mouth turning away from the camera Netball Australia has concluded its months-long investigation into the Queensland Firebirds, but the players' association is unhappy with the outcome. Since then, Netball Australia has refused to hand over the report, a summary or any details of its findings, citing a promise of confidentiality to those who took part. However, Kamo and ANPA have said key witnesses were not interviewed who they believe could have changed the outcome of the investigation. "It turns out that one can be simultaneously brave and naive," Kamo said. "Naive to think the fairness which the sport of netball teaches its players would extend to the way netball administration treats its players. "I believed all relevant witnesses to my complaint would be interviewed but they were not. Some people who saw and felt what I did were not even contacted, despite being available to help the investigation … People who, to this day, are ready to give evidence. Kamo plays for the Firebirds against the Mavericks. ( Getty Images: Albert Perez ) "I have repeatedly asked for further details of the investigation — a breakdown of the response to each allegation, whether the allegations had merit or not and on what basis. "I have received none of these details. Just platitudes and hollow assurances. "I also did not anticipate the whispering campaign against me. Apparently, I am vexatious, which is odd given this is the first time I have ever made a complaint. "I genuinely believed the bravery of the players would be met by a fair process. For these reasons, I reluctantly express no confidence in Netball Australia's response to my complaint." Netball Australia has been contacted for comment by ABC Sport. The defender was one of two players at the Firebirds not offered another Super Netball contract for this season, alongside Donnell Wallam. Both chose to move across the ditch and are about to start campaigns with the Stars and Mystics in the New Zealand Premiership this weekend. Aussie Diamonds shooter Donnell Wallam was also not re-contracted by the Firebirds. ( AAP: Matt Turner ) Last month, Kamo spoke with New Zealand media outlet Marae about her desire to find a more welcoming environment. "In 2023, the people who had spoken up weren't contracted the following year, so it felt like if you want to stand up for yourself or your teammates, then you're not welcome here. "I already knew that I didn't want to return there before they didn't contract me and I thought, I actually have nothing to lose. "I've spoken to so many people who have been through that environment, that would have liked to do that and didn't because they wanted to get another contract." Loading Instagram content Netball Queensland issued a statement off the back of this, where it reiterated the investigation's unsubstantiated findings and rejected claims Kamo made about club culture. "We acknowledge that communication to athletes not receiving a contract is difficult to receive … The Queensland Firebirds are off to a great start to this Super Netball season. We wish Remi the best for her inaugural season at the Stars," it said. In its own statement, ANPA on Wednesday said it believes the wider Super Netball playing group will be hesitant to report issues in future after watching Kamo be subjected to an unfair process. "ANPA commends Remi for the courage, care for others, and commitment to progress that she has shown by making a formal complaint to Netball Australia," the statement read. "Remi has taken a stand during a difficult period, and in doing so, is helping to drive important change for current and future players. "ANPA has raised concerns with Netball Australia over a number of months regarding aspects of the investigation process. While the investigation was conducted by a third party, this in itself does not guarantee procedural fairness. "We believe that key steps expected in a fair and thorough process may have been missed, including the investigator not confirming with Remi the specific allegations that would form the scope of the investigation, and the omission of interviews with some key witnesses named in Remi's complaint. "While we respect Netball Australia's responsibility to uphold confidentiality for all participants in the investigation, the allegations themselves are known to Remi and we believe it is both possible and appropriate to provide her with a clear summary of the findings without breaching those protections. "ANPA has formally requested an independent review of the investigation to assess whether the process met the required standards of fairness and rigour … Once the current matters are resolved, ANPA looks forward to working constructively with Netball Australia to review and strengthen its complaint-handling policies and processes." Kamo's repeated efforts to speak out But the defender says she aims to try and ensure the sport offers better support to the next generation of players in the Super Netball league. The Firebirds would love to move on from the dramas of last year. ( Getty: Glenn Hunt ) "My message to the netball administrators is this: Be brave enough to have the difficult conversation about how to improve your response to complaints and about how to prevent bullying in the first place. "Review your methods and behaviours just as the players do after every single game we play. Why? Because that's how you improve. "Make your investigations thorough by listening to all the people who wish to be heard and provide real protections for complainants so that it is safe for them to raise their voice. "To my fellow players at the Firebirds and across the sport of netball, for the support you have all given me — thank you. It means a lot. More than you know." Another player comes forward with concerns Kamo Speaking on the condition of anonymity, this player says they still have fears of being ostracised by their peers, years after they've retired. The Super Netball trophy on display on court before the grand final. ( Getty: Scott Barbour ) Watching Kamo's story unfold over the past eight months and the way she's been branded a troublemaker has compelled them to come forward with their story in solidarity. This athlete did play throughout the Super Netball era and said their relationship with their head coach in their final season left them feeling mentally broken. Originally, they approached Netball Australia with allegations of bullying, before their case was passed on to the state member organisation to organise an independent investigation. Unlike Kamo, the final report was shared with this player and ANPA. Even though a long list of mistreatment was detailed, the complaints were also deemed to be unsubstantiated. The failure of administrators to hold the coach accountable despite their behaviour being laid out on paper left the player with little faith in her club. Reflecting on that time, she told ABC Sport there were a lot of similarities between her experience and Kamo's. Although the outcome was less than desirable, the athlete said they felt positive that they were able to influence a change in policy. Now, any player complaint made against a club must be handled and investigated by Netball Australia. They thought about escalating the matter with Sport Integrity Australia, but said they felt so worn out by the whole ordeal that they decided to move on.
AU Financial Review
30-04-2025
- Business
- AU Financial Review
Liz Ellis has a plan to win the ‘war on talent' with AFLW
Netball Australia is considering expanding its flagship league and seeking private investment as it tries to cement its position as the largest women's sport in the country. The governing body more than doubled its surplus in calendar year 2024 to $650,883 – its best performance since 2012. The result was driven by cost cuts and a 50 per cent increase in ticket sales for its national team games and sell-out Super Netball finals.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Record crowds drive strong finances with Netball Australia on road to being debt free
Melbourne Vixens fans. Super Netball saw an increase of 25% in crowd attendances on 2023. Melbourne Vixens fans. Super Netball saw an increase of 25% in crowd attendances on 2023. Photograph:Netball Australia has pledged to be debt free by 2027 thanks to the financial uplift from hosting that year's World Cup, as it sets out a 10-year plan to ensure it remains the country's most popular team sport for women and girls amid increasing competition from football. The organisation reported a surplus of $0.65m for 2024 – up from $0.26m in 2023, and its highest since 2012 – and long-term debt of $3m, a decrease of $1.2m on the previous year. Advertisement Netball Australia chief executive officer Stacey West said the result was due to strong attendances for Diamonds matches and Super Netball, which attracted more spectators in a single season than any previous Australian women's competition and 'showed why it is the world's biggest and best netball league'. In total, 366,222 attended matches last year, an increase of 25% on 2023. 'Suncorp Super Netball also attracted the highest average crowd in Australian women's sport, with an average of 6,097 fans attending each match – up from 5,069 in 2023,' West said. This month's Super Netball round one attendances were up 8% on 2024. Ticket sales for Diamonds events grew 50%, partly thanks to larger venues. The annual report stated Netball Australia's debt was on track to be cleared by 2027 and the organisation was working on a long-term strategy for the sport. 'We are near completion in developing a 10-year strategy to ensure that growth continues which will drive successful commercial outcomes,'' West said. Advertisement The plan, due to be formally released this year, 'is focused on optimising growth and engagement at every level', according to the annual report. According to the national AusPlay survey, netball had around 400,000 female participants in 2024. It was the most popular team sport for women ahead of basketball (291,000 participants) and football (251,000). At this week's AGM, former Diamond Liz Ellis was reappointed chair of Netball Australia for her second year, providing stability after the pay dispute and leadership changes of 2023. The right to host the 2027 World Cup was secured in 2021. 'Hosting the 2027 Netball World Cup in Australia presents the sport with a huge opportunity for new generations of fans to fall in love with the game,' West said. In addition to the 2027 World Cup in Sydney, Netball Australia sees the sport's inclusion in the 2026 Commonwealth Games as an opportunity for growth. Advertisement The sport has also been lobbying for a place in the Olympics program in time for the 2032 Brisbane Games. However, one of the world's most popular women's sports may be denied due to the IOC's criteria around gender parity – in this case, participation among men. World Netball's website states 'over 20 million' people play netball in more than 117 countries. For comparison, Fifa has a goal of 60 million female players by 2027. A 2023 survey found there were 16.6m women and girls playing organised football.
The Guardian
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Record crowds drive strong finances with Netball Australia on road to being debt free
Netball Australia has pledged to be debt free by 2027 thanks to the financial uplift from hosting that year's World Cup, as it sets out a 10-year plan to ensure it remains the country's most popular team sport for women and girls amid increasing competition from football. The organisation reported a surplus of $0.65m for 2024 – up from $0.26m in 2023, and its highest since 2012 – and long-term debt of $3m, a decrease of $1.2m on the previous year. Netball Australia chief executive officer Stacey West said the result was due to strong attendances for Diamonds matches and Super Netball, which attracted more spectators in a single season than any previous Australian women's competition and 'showed why it is the world's biggest and best netball league'. In total, 366,222 attended matches last year, an increase of 25% on 2023. 'Suncorp Super Netball also attracted the highest average crowd in Australian women's sport, with an average of 6,097 fans attending each match – up from 5,069 in 2023,' West said. This month's Super Netball round one attendances were up 8% on 2024. Ticket sales for Diamonds events grew 50%, partly thanks to larger venues. The annual report stated Netball Australia's debt was on track to be cleared by 2027 and the organisation was working on a long-term strategy for the sport. 'We are near completion in developing a 10-year strategy to ensure that growth continues which will drive successful commercial outcomes,'' West said. The plan, due to be formally released this year, 'is focused on optimising growth and engagement at every level', according to the annual report. According to the national AusPlay survey, netball had around 400,000 female participants in 2024. It was the most popular team sport for women ahead of basketball (291,000 participants) and football (251,000). At this week's AGM, former Diamond Liz Ellis was reappointed chair of Netball Australia for her second year, providing stability after the pay dispute and leadership changes of 2023. The right to host the 2027 World Cup was secured in 2021. 'Hosting the 2027 Netball World Cup in Australia presents the sport with a huge opportunity for new generations of fans to fall in love with the game,' West said. In addition to the 2027 World Cup in Sydney, Netball Australia sees the sport's inclusion in the 2026 Commonwealth Games as an opportunity for growth. Sign up to Australia Sport Get a daily roundup of the latest sports news, features and comment from our Australian sports desk after newsletter promotion The sport has also been lobbying for a place in the Olympics program in time for the 2032 Brisbane Games. However, one of the world's most popular women's sports may be denied due to the IOC's criteria around gender parity – in this case, participation among men. World Netball's website states 'over 20 million' people play netball in more than 117 countries. For comparison, Fifa has a goal of 60 million female players by 2027. A 2023 survey found there were 16.6m women and girls playing organised football.
