Netball World Cup: Tournament to take place every two years with men’s competition added as part of new strategy | Netball News
A new World Netball global strategy will see the World Cup held every two years instead of four after the 2027 tournament in Sydney.
A male netball world cup will also be introduced while the director organ is trying to develop and deliver a pipeline of international events in its new chapter.
Australia is the current world champions, having beat England 61-45 in 2023, in the first final of the World Cup.
The changes also see the introduction of cups and plaques competitions to increase engagement, as well as the launch of a new biennial event from November 2028, which will take place in the world cup years.
The objective is to ensure that an international world class event takes place each year so that the best players can compete more often to establish rivalries, extend the scope and open new markets.
World netball has announced that there will be a male world cup
Speaking about these developments, the CEO of World Netball (WN), Fiona Harold, said: “International netball has never been so competitive, but the landscape is becoming more and more complex for navigating.
“WN must support its members and provide solutions that mean everyone in the advantages of the ecosystem.
“We must also be proactive about the test of the future ourselves, given the uncertainty around the Commonwealth Games after 2026.
“These decisions allow us to control our destiny, and this is a new positive for everyone. As an international federation, it is our work to support and develop the long -term game.”
Harold hopes that these changes will help netball build to be included in the Olympic Games for the first time.
England reached the final of the Netball World Cup for the first time in 2023 where they lost against Australia
“While world netball will always remain proud of sport traditions, we must not be retained hostage,” added Harold.
“Our sport is open to everyone, and now feels like the right time to make a clear declaration on the male game, which is gaining momentum.
“The resounding comments of many stakeholders through the game are that it is a really positive step, especially since we continue to strive and build our case for the inclusion of the Olympic Games.
“I enjoyed getting involved with male netball groups in recent months and we will continue to collaborate with them to help them realize their dream of seeing an inaugural male netball world occurring in the coming years.”
Fast5 Netball World Series, which is an annual international competition with a faster and shorter version of the game, will be interrupted for the moment.
