Diamonds Shine Brighter with Landmark Deal
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In a landmark deal that’s setting new standards for professional women’s team sports, Netball Australia and the Australian Netball Players’ Association (ANPA) have finalised a sweeping new collective player agreement. This agreement delivers a significant salary boost for the Diamonds—Australia’s national netball team—alongside a revenue-sharing model and improved off-court support. Together, these changes signal a new era of recognition and opportunity for elite female athletes.
What Was Agreed
The new agreement gives Diamonds players an approximate 40 per cent pay rise spread across three years. It also introduces a first-of-its-kind revenue-sharing arrangement, meaning athletes will directly benefit from sponsorships, broadcast rights and event income linked to the national team. Beyond financial rewards, the deal invests in holistic support, providing stronger wellbeing programs, career-transition planning and enhanced commercial and ambassadorial opportunities.
Why This Is a Big Deal
For the players, the deal represents long-overdue financial recognition. It acknowledges that the athletes who drive the sport’s popularity deserve compensation that matches their contribution. The revenue-sharing element is particularly powerful because it links player earnings to the sport’s commercial success, aligning the interests of players, administrators and fans. Just as important, the focus on wellbeing and career planning helps players prepare for life beyond the court, ensuring their professional years are both sustainable and rewarding. Collectively, these measures set a new benchmark for women’s sport in Australia and beyond.
What’s Changing for Players and the Game
This agreement means greater financial security for national team members and a tangible stake in the sport’s commercial growth. Instead of relying solely on fixed salaries, players will now share in the revenue generated by their performances and the sport’s increasing visibility. Improved support systems—covering mental health, career guidance and personal development—will help reduce burnout and give athletes the tools to extend their careers and transition smoothly when they retire from competition.
Challenges & What’s Next
The new deal also raises expectations. Netball Australia will need to continue growing sponsorship, broadcast partnerships and event revenue to sustain these higher payments. Transparency in how revenue is shared will be crucial for players to see the full benefit of the agreement. Other sports, meanwhile, are watching closely; this arrangement will likely prompt broader conversations about equitable pay and revenue sharing across women’s leagues.
Looking Forward
This pay rise is more than a financial milestone—it’s a cultural one. It offers young players a clear vision of netball as a viable professional career and encourages sponsors and media to invest more deeply in the women’s game. With the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2027 Netball World Cup on the horizon, the timing is ideal for netball to capitalise on growing global interest. What began as a hard-won negotiation could become a lasting transformation, turning a single pay rise into a foundation for the sport’s next generation.