Super Netball athletes will start pre-season for 2027 with improved pay and conditions, more time off, and greater ability to sign individual sponsorship deals following agreement to an updated collective player agreement (CPA).
The 12-month bridging agreement to the CPA has been agreed between Netball Australia, the Super Netball clubs and the Australian Netball Players' Association (ANPA). The agreement enables Super Netball contracting to open as planned providing certainty for players, clubs and the League as the sport enters a significant new chapter.
Highlights of the deal include:
• an increase to the total player payment pool (minimum and maximum amounts) by greater than CPI;
• a one-off payment to athletes on the signing of a commercial partner for the Super Netball league;
• additional time off through condensing hours for club commitments that will free up an additional two weeks of time off per year;
• option for athletes to enter into multi-year contracts;
• much greater ability for athletes to secure their own individual sponsorship deals; and
• increased health insurance and meal allowances.
The 12-month bridging agreement is designed to enable Netball Australia to capitalise on commercial opportunities that a new free-to-air broadcast deal (commencing 2027) presents. Netball Australia believes it can improve its commercial performance from 2027 and bring more revenue into the ecosystem as opportunities are realised off the back of the broadcast deal and holds the view that Netball Australia and the clubs will be able to present an even stronger offer for athletes from next year.
Parties will continue to discuss and explore approaches to a single CPA, revenue share and pregnancy and parental leave policies over the coming months.
Netball Australia Interim CEO Mark Falvo said the 12-month bridging agreement struck the right balance between delivering immediate benefits for players and positioning the sport for future growth.
“We are at a pivotal moment for our sport. This agreement gives our players, clubs and the League certainty while we enter a period of significant commercial opportunity for netball,” Falvo said.
“We're seeing strong interest from the market in our game, and our focus is on working together to unlock value to grow the sport and build a stronger future for everyone.
“There is more work to do on meeting some of the asks for the athletes and the clubs, but this agreement delivers meaningful outcomes for players today while demonstrating our responsibility to balance the long-term sustainability of the league.”
Netball Australia Chair Liz Ellis AO said the agreement recognised the central role athletes play in the success of Super Netball.
“Our players are the heart and soul of our game, and they are the reason Super Netball is recognised as the world's best netball competition – this agreement reflects that value and our commitment to growing the sport together,” Ellis said.
“There are exciting opportunities ahead for netball, and I'm looking forward to continuing to work hand in hand with our players to grow the game, create even more opportunities and ensure they share in the success of netball's next chapter.”
Netball Queensland CEO Kate Davies, speaking on behalf of the Super Netball clubs, said:
“This agreement is an important step forward for our clubs and our athletes as we look ahead to an exciting new chapter for Super Netball.
“The improvements to player pay and conditions recognise the incredible contribution our athletes make to the success of the competition, while providing the certainty clubs need to prepare for the 2027 season.
“The collaborative approach taken throughout these negotiations reflects the shared goal of our clubs and Netball Australia to ensure Super Netball remains the world's leading netball competition and continues to thrive for the long term.
“With a new broadcast partner and significant commercial opportunities on the horizon, we're focused on working in genuine partnership with Netball Australia and the Australian Netball Players' Association to grow the overall value of the league. We know there is more work ahead, but the stronger we make the competition together, the more we can deliver for players, clubs and everyone who loves our game.”
