Australian netball fans will once again have the chance to see the world’s best netballers in action on home soil, with the NSW Government today announcing the International Netball Federation Netball World Cup will return to Sydney in 2027.
Secured by the NSW Government, in partnership with Netball Australia, the 2027 Netball World Cup is expected to deliver an estimated $31 million boost to the NSW visitor economy.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said winning the hosting rights for this major sporting tournament brings NSW one step closer to fulfilling the NSW Government’s 2018 pledge to secure 10 World Cups in 10 years.
“The Netball World Cup 2027 is the ninth addition to the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 years initiative, which means we are well on track to not just deliver but to exceed this target,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The NSW Government’s COVID-19 response has enabled our State to put a strong bid forward for major events like this and I have no doubt there will be more to follow, delivering enormous economic and social benefits to our State for years to come.
“This is the fourth Women’s World Cup event secured for Sydney alongside the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.”
Minister for Investment, Jobs, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the chance to host the prestigious event was testament to an exemplary record of hosting international sporting events throughout NSW.
“Sydney set the benchmark with a record-breaking Netball World Cup in 2015 and I have no doubt we will put on an even bigger and better show when the event returns to our shores,” Mr Ayres said.
“This will be the third time the Netball World Cup has been held in Sydney and with Australia winning the previous two tournaments in 1991 and 2015, all of NSW will be hoping Australia can bring the trophy home for a third time in 2027.”
“Hosting major events like this is crucial in helping our tourism and events industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, creating jobs and leveraging the extensive expertise our State has in delivering major sporting events throughout NSW.”
Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said hosting the Netball World Cup will grow participation and inspire future generations of netballers.
“In 2015 the Australian Diamonds shined in front of packed home crowds in Sydney, breaking records on and off the court,” Mr Lee said.
“NSW boasts over 115,000 netballers across the State, which equates to 25% of the national pool.
“I am very confident the Netball World Cup 2027 will see current and future generations of NSW netballers aspiring to wear the green and gold.”
International Netball Federation President Liz Nicholl, CBE, said she was confident in Sydney delivering an excellent event, whilst also focusing on the development of the sport across Australia.
“As our sport continues to grow and evolve at an unprecedented rate around the globe, we look forward to working with the Organising Committee and Netball Australia on netball’s growth and development whilst delivering a thrilling world-class event that will no doubt inspire all and work towards creating a better world through netball,” Ms Nicholl said.
Netball Australia Chair Paolina Hunt said securing the 2027 World Cup was another critical step in the rapid development of the sport.
‘’We know that netball plays a key role in connecting and empowering young women and girls and an event such as this is a North star for young athletes who can now dream of working to represent the Diamonds in front of huge home crowds,” Ms Hunt said.
A key element of Australia’s bid was a post-tournament legacy that will deliver lasting benefits for women and girls both within netball and the broader community.
Following today’s announcement, a Local Organising Committee will be established with further details about the tournament to be advised once finalised.
For more information on the 2027 Netball World Cup, go to netball.com.au.
Images from the media call:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/onyq2oeiw2u87hv/AACX7tbcb3kDd1CD2YkFCIdIa?dl=0
