The Victorian government has filled the sponsorship void at Netball Australia, announcing a $15 million partnership with Visit Victoria.
The sponsorship will run until 2027 and comes days after Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting withdrew its sponsorship of Netball Australia, following player backlash. The backlash came after Indigenous player Donnell Wallam expressed her discomfort wearing the Hancock Prospecting logo on the uniform, on account of horrifically racist remarks made by Lang Hancock in the 1980s
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the new partnership deal would help both promote netball in Australia and Victoria as a tourist destination.
“Victoria is our nation’s sporting capital and its best tourist destination – it’s only right we launch this new partnership to back elite netball in Australia and promote our state to the world,” Andrews said on Monday.
“This partnership isn’t just about elite netballers – we’re proud to be supporting grassroots netball clubs and increasing women’s participation in sport in every corner of the state.”
As part of the partnership, the Diamonds will play five test matches and hold their high performance training camps in Victoria between 2023 and 2026. The 2023 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final will also be played in Victoria.
The partnership will deliver community initiatives to encourage grassroots participation in the sport, particularly in culturally diverse communities.
Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan said she was delighted to announced the partnership with Visit Victoria.
“The partnership will guarantee Victorians the opportunity to experience more netball across the next four and a half years,” she said.
Captain of the Diamonds Liz Watson said it was significant for netball.
“This is a significant partnership for the Origin Australian Diamonds as we prepare to defend our Commonwealth Games gold medal in Victoria in 2026,” Watson said.
“Visit Victoria is a proud supporter of netball, and this investment will benefit all levels of our game.”
The partnership was announced on Monday, the morning after Australia won their Test series against the England Roses, with a 56-48 win at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on Sunday night.