The new agreement, to start in 2022, provides financial certainty to Super Netball’s eight clubs and the strength for elite player salaries to be paid by the league. Joining forces with Foxtel and Australia’s number one sports streaming app, Kayo Sports, means netball is walking away from current broadcaster Channel 9 at the end of this season.“This is a landmark deal for the sport and provides the foundation for Suncorp Super Netball to grow and enhance its status as the best elite netball competition in the world,’’ said Netball Australia interim CEO, Ron Steiner.“It also provides financial security that will enable netball’s member organisations to nurture what is Australia’s number one participation sport. Netball’s mission is to empower women and girls and connect communities, and the wide-ranging impact of this deal will drive those outcomes.”The new agreement also includes a groundbreaking digital structure and will ensure the accessibility of the sport. “This deal opens up an exciting new era for Australian netball, from our elite levels right through to grassroots, and we’re pleased that this deal will continue to build the profile of the game and athletes and further enhance the leading pay and conditions for our elite athletes,’’ said Australian Diamonds and Melbourne Vixens player Jo Weston.Under the innovative deal:– Every game of every round of the Suncorp Super Netball competition will be available live and ad-break free during play on Foxtel Group platforms including Foxtel and Kayo Sports.– Every week two Super Netball games will be available live and free as part of Kayo’s recently announced Kayo Freebies, along with every match of the Super Netball Finals Series.– All Australian Diamonds matches will also be available free on Kayo Freebies.– Fox Sports will undertake the production of all matches played in Australia and develop new netball magazine shows to deepen fan engagement, including a presence for shows on Kayo Freebies.
Foxtel Chief Content and Commercial Officer Amanda Laing said this marks a new era for the sport. “It shows the faith we have in the game and also shows the faith that netball have in us,’’ she said. “That’s something that is really important because the relationship between the Foxtel Group and those who have chosen to partner with us is absolutely critical. “We want people talking about the athletes and watching sport so our interests are very much aligned. When we started talking about the Foxtel Group offering, across free and paid rights, broadcast and digital, and outlined our vision of how we can grow the game with them, that’s when they started getting excited. “We pride ourselves on the quality of our production and we pride ourselves on our innovation.“The Suncorp Super Netball players are extraordinary athletes and striking ambassadors for their sport. We will work with the players, clubs, sponsors and the whole netball community to raise their profile and deliver the recognition and rewards which they deserve.” Suncorp Super Netball Commission Chair Marina Go said: “This agreement follows intense interest and negotiation with several parties who were keenly aware of netball’s unique position within Australian sport.“We are delighted to be partnering with such a strong and well-regarded organisation and look forward to bringing our fierce and exciting sport to the Foxtel Group’s audience including Kayo’s rapidly-growing customer base.” The upcoming 2021 Super Netball Season will be broadcast by Channel 9 and streamed live on the Telstra/Netball Australia Netball Live app from Saturday, May 1.
Powered by WPeMatico
