A year to remember for Suncorp Super Netball in 2024

As the curtain falls on the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball season, it’s hard to believe the incredible rise that netball has seen in 2024.  

From a new CEO, to record breaking crowds and memberships as well as the successful introduction of the Melbourne Mavericks, there’s no better time to reflect on the growth of the sport.  

A Record-Breaking Season 

The 2024 season saw an impressive 331,841 fans attend matches, reflecting a 25% increase year-on-year. Each round averaged 23,703 fans, up by 30% from 2023. The final round attracted the biggest crowds in history, with 34,726 fans filling the stands, surpassing previous records set earlier in the season. The league’s growing popularity was evident with twelve matches selling out and club memberships rising by 8%. 

This Saturday, the Adelaide Thunderbirds and Melbourne Vixens will face off in a sold-out Grand Final, continuing the tradition of packed stadiums for the league’s pinnacle event. This marks the third consecutive year of sell-out Grand Finals, underscoring the league’s burgeoning appeal. 

The Rise of the Melbourne Mavericks 

The introduction of the Melbourne Mavericks to the competition has been a resounding success, on and off the court.  

After her appointment to the role of General Manager in 2023, Shae Bolton-Brown joined us at the Women In Sport Summit 2024 to reflect on building the team from the ground up, as well as the many commercial opportunities that lie within women’s sport.  

Shae brought a wealth of experience from her years as a professional netballer and roles in business and mental health advocacy. Her unique blend of skills was instrumental in building the Mavericks from the ground up, alongside Head Coach Tracey Neville and Head of High Performance Chris Howley. 

During the summit, Bolton-Brown shared insights into her journey with the Mavericks and the team’s aspirations. “I’m passionate about netball, but there’s also a bunch of things that I thought could be a little bit different and help grow the game,” she said. “The opportunity to have a blank canvas, take all the best bits, and see what we can do was exciting.” 

Reflecting on the team’s inaugural season, Bolton-Brown remarked, “What we have been able to do in our first year is amazing. It was frantic, chaotic, but above all, it’s been so much fun. Sport is a source of inspiration, a source of joy. And I think that being able to do that for people and create these communities of belonging has just been an absolutely awesome opportunity.” 

Looking Ahead to 2025 

As the Mavericks look toward their second season, Bolton Brown is enthusiastic about the future. “We are the Sports Entertainment Network. We are putting the entertainment into netball. We want to be able to keep people there by putting on amazing high performance, world-class netball. Like we have the world’s best competition at our doorstep in Australia, we then want to amplify that through all the things around it. It was a festival, a party, a sports game. I had a good time, so everyone should come (in 2025).”  

The Mavericks have not only added depth to the competition but have also exemplified how innovation and community engagement can drive success in sports. As Suncorp Super Netball continues to grow, the league remains a beacon for aspiring athletes and sports professionals alike, proving that with the right leadership and vision, the future of women’s sports is bright.  

With a new CEO, Stacey West, at the helm and an exciting new team in the Mavericks, it seems that the Suncorp Super Netball competition is poised for continued growth and success in the years to come.  

Catch our full interview with Melbourne Mavericks General Manager, Shae Bolton-Brown, below: