Netball Australia has today announced a five-year media rights partnership with Nine, paving the way for netball's largest ever free-to-air footprint.
Under the five-year agreement from 2027 to 2031, Nine will broadcast every Suncorp Super Netball match and all Australian Diamonds matches across one or more of the 9Network, 9Now and Stan Sport. Nine will also showcase the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027.
Netball Australia's partnership with a leading Australian free-to-air commercial broadcaster and multi-asset media business delivers a significant platform for visibility to power netball strategically and commercially to promote players, partners, and the game.
The commercial elements of the deal span across Nine’s media ecosystem which includes the 9Network, 9Now, Stan Sport and publishing as well as its recently acquired outdoor media division, QMS.
Each year of the deal includes a clear and shared commitment to grow the sport and evolve its delivery model, so it remains responsive to media innovation.
Netball is the leading sport for women and girls in Australia, Suncorp Super Netball is the most attended female sports league in the country, and the Australian Diamonds are the No.1 ranked team in the world.
Netball Australia CEO Stacey West said the new deal not only sets up a strong foundation for growth, but it is also a major win for netball fans.
“Nine was the foundation broadcaster of the Suncorp Super Netball League ten years ago and it's wonderful for us to partner once again to showcase the best netballers in the world, playing in the world's best netball league,” Ms West said.
"We have heard consistently from our fans that they want to see more netball content.
“This sport matters to fans right across our country and for them to be able to watch it together and celebrate their heroes is what creates the magic moments that deepen connections with our game.
"On behalf of Netball Australia, we thank Nine for their belief and trust in us and we look forward to delivering strong business outcomes for each other.”
Netball Australia Chair Liz Ellis AO welcomed the announcement.
"There is tremendous synergy between our vision to showcase an Australia that is Made in Netball and Nine's corporate vision that Australia Belongs Here,” Ms Ellis said.
"Nine has leveraged the opportunity to make a real and meaningful investment into netball when the competition for women's sport is intensifying.
"We are so excited about the future ahead and what this partnership can deliver for the entire ecosystem.”
Nine Group Managing Director, Streaming and Broadcast, Amanda Laing said:
“We’re building a portfolio around the sports Australians care most deeply about, and netball belongs in that company.
“It is woven through schools, suburbs and regional towns across the country, with passionate fans and strong community roots.
“For viewers, this means more access, broader reach and premium coverage across 9Network, 9Now and Stan Sport - from Suncorp Super Netball through to every Diamonds match and a home World Cup in 2027.
“We believe women’s sport is one of the strongest growth stories in media, and this partnership is another important step in our commitment to back it with real platforms, real visibility and real ambition.
“We’re looking forward to helping grow the game and bringing more Australians closer to it than ever before.”
Netball Australia also thanked broadcast partner the Foxtel Group for their partnership and investment into netball over the past five years.
"The Foxtel Group has delivered strong investment, support and outstanding production for netball over the past five years, and we have seen audience growth each year as a result,” Ms West said.
“When we partnered with the Foxtel Group five years ago, it marked the first time that all netball matches would be available live for fans. Their commitment and support have been instrumental in the growth of our game, and I thank them sincerely for their partnership.
"The tenth season of Suncorp Super Netball continues to be broadcast across the Foxtel Group this year and we will continue to work together to deliver outstanding netball coverage."
