Netball Australia has entered into a five-year, $15 million partnership with the state government, following Hancock Prospecting’s sponsorship pull.
The government announced the funding partnership with Visit Victoria will run until June 2027.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the Australian Diamonds will showcase Victoria with branding on their team kit for home and away tests, “while players and coaches will be involved in campaigns to promote Victoria as a fantastic tourism destination”.
The government said the Diamonds will also play five test matches and hold their high-performance training camps in Victoria between 2023 and 2026.
As part of the deal, the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final will be played in Victoria.
“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,” Mr Andrews said.
“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.”
The government said the partnership will deliver community initiatives to encourage grassroots participation in the sport, “particularly in culturally diverse communities”.
“Netball boasts the highest level of participation among young women for any sport in Australia – and as one of the nation’s most popular national teams, the Diamonds are an inspiration for women and girls across all levels of the sport,” the government said.
