Netball Australia’s Chief Executive Officer Stacey West has today announced she is stepping down from the role as the game sets direction for its next phase.
Netball Australia last week announced a landmark five-year broadcast partnership with Nine, has celebrated record attendance at Suncorp Super Netball games, surging broadcast viewership – up 13 per cent this season – and the continued international dominance of the Australian Diamonds.
In November last year, Netball Australia also released a new 10-year plan, Made in Netball, which provides overarching strategic direction for the sport into the future.
Ms West, who was appointed CEO in December 2023, will work closely with the Board to transition to new leadership under Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Chief Executive Officer Mark Falvo, who will also serve as interim Chief Executive Officer for Netball Australia taking effect on Monday, 27 April 2026.
After 16 years with the organisation, Ms West said she was deeply honoured to lead Netball Australia through critical years of transformation and successfully establish a detailed plan to continue growing the game into the future.
“This role has been a labour of love for me,” Ms West said.
“My commitment to the sport, our people and our athletes, has been a lifelong vocation and the opportunity to contribute to our growth and success has been a privilege.
“I hand over the reins at the dawn of a new era with the sport poised for continued success. Suncorp Super Netball continues to set crowd, audience and membership records. Our new long-term free-to-air broadcast partnership defies market trends and is built off the wonderful product and people who make up this sport.
“We remain the number one sport for women and girls, and the love and respect in the community for both the high performance and participation aspects of our game is the backbone of our culture and dominance.
“On a personal level, I’m particularly proud of the work we’ve done to grow the game at every level, from supporting the establishment of the First Nations Black Swans, to refreshing and relaunching Woolworths NetSetGo and continuing to strengthen our connections across the Pacific. These initiatives reflect the depth and reach of our netball community and the exciting future ahead.
“I thank the Netball Australia team and Board for their support, and I look forward to continuing to support the game and our community as it goes from strength to strength.”
Netball Australia Chair Liz Ellis AO thanked Ms West for her contribution and her deep commitment to the sport.
“Stacey has contributed enormous value to Netball Australia with a career that has spanned 16 years,” Ms Ellis said.
“She has supported the game in both its highs and challenges, and provided constant positive energy and focus to ensure netball thrives into the future. We thank her sincerely for her efforts.”
Ms Ellis said Mr Falvo brings significant market knowledge and commercial expertise to lead the game as it continues its transformation agenda and builds for the future.
“Mark Falvo has accepted responsibility for the leadership of both our entities, and he will deliver strong value to netball based on his personal expertise and deep knowledge of the Australian and global sporting landscape,” Ms Ellis said.
“Stacey and Mark already work very closely to discharge their duties and responsibilities, and a positive and collaborative transition plan is already being executed.”
