Netball Australia Denies Financial Collapse, Gambling Sponsorships A Possibility

Netball Australia has issued a statement following media reports regarding the organisation’s state of finances.

In an interview with the ABC, Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan, said sponsorships from gambling companies are not “out of the realms of possibility.”

In a later statement issued by Netball Australia, Ryan reflected on the financial attention.

“Netball Australia is doing everything we can to ensure our sport is sustainable,” Ryan said in a statement.

“We understand the financial position we are in, and we have been transparent about it.

“Importantly, we know what is needed to protect the future of netball.

“We will have to make difficult decisions along the way, but we know these decisions will help us rebound as quickly as we can,” she said.

Following a $7.2 million loss, attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, the comments from Netball Australia come days after a News Corp investigation claimed the sport could face foreclosure if debts of $4 million are not repaid.

Following the announcement of a Perth Super Netball grand final and resultant uproar from the Australian Netball Player’s Association (ANPA), Netball Australia looks to manage the financial development of the sport.

“This year we launched a new strategic plan, which has the support and backing of our major stakeholders, including our broadcast and commercial partners,” Ryan said.

“We are confident the strategic plan will help us navigate through this challenging time,” she said.

The Super Netball grand final is set for 3 July at RAC Arena in Perth.