The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) will commit more than AUD $17 million over the next four years to advance preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria.

The announcement will see an AUD $9.4 million investment into Netball, alongside funding towards Squash (AUD$2.36m) and Bowls (AUD$5.6m), with additional support for both para and able-bodied performance programs.

The funding secures Netball Australia’s financial future through to the 2026 Commonwealth Games after mining company Hancock Prospecting withdrew its AUD$15 million partnership with the Australian Diamonds team last year.

Commenting on the investment, Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells, said that the funding would create lasting benefits for both athletes and fans.

“The Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games will take high performance sport directly to regional Australia,” Wells said.

“The Australian Government is proud to support our Aussie athletes and sports to represent our national and perform at their best,” she said.

Commonwealth Games Australia CEO, Craig Phillips AM, added: “For all sports, certainty in funding is what provides for appropriate planning and delivery ahead of competition on the world stage.”

“Our hope is that this bold, early investment continues for all Victoria 2026 program sports as they strive to ensure Australia remains at the top of the medal tally in front of a home crowd,” he said.

This announcement comes after Netball Australia signed a partnership to evolve fan engagement.