Netball is making its case for a place in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, and yes, we imagine you might have some questions.
Here we answer a few common queries about netball’s position and its desire to be included in the biggest sporting event in the world.
WHY NETBALL SHOULD BE IN THE OLYMPICS
There are several reasons the sport should be included in the 2032 instalment of the Games, from global popularity to netball’s values, and growing fandom.
These are the top six reasons why it should be included, or at least, not excluded!
- Netball is not just a 'Commonwealth' sport. More than 20 million people play netball across 117 countries, and 48 of those have an official world ranking.
- Netball has huge global recognition. It's recognised by the IOC, has its own World Cups, and is a main fixture in the Commonwealth Games.
- Netball is broadcast in more than 100 countries. It even features on Whoopi Goldberg's All Women's Sports Network (AWSN) which is available in 65 countries. The 2025 Suncorp Super Netball had a 300-million global broadcast reach.
- Netball requires a unique skillset and some of the most athletic sportspeople in the world. It also demonstrates Olympic values, including speed teamwork, athleticism and inclusivity.
- Netball is Australia's most popular female team sport, and more than one million play it. The cultural relevance of playing netball in front of a home nation is huge.
- The infrastructure in Queensland for netball already exists. Inclusion would be logistical, seamless and cost-effective.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE MEN?
It’s one of the first questions you’re likely to ask, so we have awarded this query an entire section.
There is an assumption that there must be representation in each sport across both genders.
But that’s not the case.
The International Olympic Committee require overall gender balance among the entire athlete cohort, not a sport-by-sport gender balance. Netball can help off-set male dominated events.
And the truth is. Men’s netball doesn’t have the numbers, just yet.
Netball is the fastest growing male participation sport in Australia. And netball’s inclusion in Brisbane 2032 would provide more visibility, aspiration and FOMO for boys and men.
Also, female-only Olympic events already exist (think rhythmic gymnastics and synchronised swimming). It certainly would not be a world first.
Now that you know the background. Here’s where we need your help.
Pledge your support at https://olympics.netball.com.au/ and help spread the word.
We are now ticking over 60,000 signatures in Australia and counting.
