The World Netball (WN) governing body has announced the revamp of its global events strategy, headlined by the showpiece Netball World Cup (NWC) now becoming a biennial event.
The previously quadrennial NWC, which will next be played in 2027, will now occur every two years, with every World Cup post 2027 occurring in November with a new format to be announced.
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WN will also introduce a men’s NWC, expanding the sport’s top competition across gender boundaries.
Additionally, in non-NWC years, WN will establish a new biennial event from November 2028 onwards, the staging of which will be contingent in any NWC hosting agreement.
This move, WN says, will deliver high-quality netball more often to consumers, reducing the gaps in time between elite WN tournaments while widening the sport’s reach.
WN chief executive Fiona Harold said on the move: “International netball has never been more competitive, but the landscape is becoming increasingly complex to navigate.
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By GlobalData“WN needs to support its members and deliver solutions that mean everyone in the ecosystem benefits…. These decisions allow us to control our destiny, and it’s positive news for everyone.
“As the International Federation, it is our job to sustain and grow the game over the long term.”
She added that the establishment of more consistent international play can serve as insurance against the “uncertainty” of the future of the Commonwealth Games post 2026, typically a major source of netball exposure in new and established markets.
Speaking on the introduction of the men’s NWC Harold continued: “Whilst World Netball will always remain proud of the sport’s traditions, we must not be held hostage to them. Our sport is open to all, and now feels like the right time to make a clear statement on the men’s game, which is gaining momentum rapidly.
“The resounding feedback from many stakeholders across the game is that this is a really positive step, especially as we continue to strive and build our case for Olympic Games inclusion.
“I have enjoyed engaging with men’s netball groups over the past few months and we will continue to collaborate with them to help them realise their dream of seeing an inaugural men’s Netball World Cup happen in the next few years.”
Harold took over as WN chief executive in November 2024, when she joined from golf’s Ladies European Tour, where she was commercial director.
Before joining the LET, she spent time at sporting properties such as the IMG agency, Sport England, and English soccer’s Football Association (as the partnerships manager for three years). She has also spent time at global bank Barclays.
The next Netball World Cup will take place in Sydney, Australia.
