Netball Australia has announced a new five-year broadcasting deal for its Super Netball competition that will see Foxtel’s streaming service Kayo Sports air the sport from 2022.
The deal, announced on Wednesday, means Netball Australia has brought an end to its partnership with Nine and Telstra. It’s been referred to as a “landmark deal” that will bring financial security to the sport.
Under the partnership, two Super Netball games every week will be available live and free through Kayo’s newly announced Kayo Freebies, as well as every match of the finals series. All Australian Diamonds games will be streamed for free too. All other games will be available on Kayo.
As part of the new agreement, Fox Sports will undertake the production of all matches played in Australia and will develop a netball magazine for fans.
Foxtel will also cover the costs of all broadcasting expenses, which will provide Super Netball with the financial ability to pay player salaries for the first time. It will give players more contract security and leave clubs and member organisations with greater freedom to choose how they spend their money.
Super Netball League Commission Chair Marina Go said the agreement was beneficial for netball’s growth, and that it was exciting to bring the sport to Kayo’s rapidly growing customer base.
“There are many winners in this deal, and that includes the world’s best netball players who will enjoy contract security and some of the best conditions of any female athletes anywhere,” Go said.
Netball Australia interim CEO, Ron Steiner said it provides the foundation for Super Netball to grow and enhance its status.
“It also provides financial security that will enable netball’s member organisations to nurture what is Australia’s number one female team participation sport.
“Netball’s mission is to empower women and girls and connect communities, and the wide-ranging impact of this deal will drive those outcomes.’’
Melbourne Vixens player Jo Weston said it was a step towards making the sport sustainable.
“Although moving from FTA may seem like a step back for the sport, this new deal moves with the times and viewing habits. (Not discounting those can’t afford a full Kayo sub) Hopefully a big step forward for the salary of the athlete group and the sustainability of the sport!” she wrote on Twitter.
Although moving from FTA may seem like a step back for the sport, this new deal moves with the times and viewing habits. (Not discounting those can’t afford a full Kayo sub) Hopefully a big step forward for the salary of the athlete group and the sustainability of the sport! https://t.co/SelhbSsU9n
— Jo Weston (@joannamweston) February 3, 2021
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