Netball World Cup: New 2-Year Cycle & Men’s Competition
- World Netball is implementing a new global strategy that includes a men's Netball World Cup and a shortened World Cup cycle for women.
- In addition to the men's tournament, World Netball will introduce Cup and Plate competitions to boost engagement.
- Fiona Harold, World Netball chief executive officer, emphasized the need for proactive measures.
world Netball is revolutionizing the sport! Get the latest on the 2-Year Cycle and Men’s netball World Cup, signaling a significant shift in the sport’s global footprint. The World Cup, after 2027, will be every two years, alongside the introduction of the men’s tournament, aiming to elevate the sport and possibly secure a spot in the Olympics. These moves underscore the increasing role of netball internationally, fostering new rivalries and expanding its reach. Australia currently reigns as world champions. News Directory 3 covered the story, focusing on World Netball’s proactive strategy, inclusivity, and enduring growth through key adaptations. A new Cup and Plate competition will start in November 2028. Discover what’s next …
World Netball Revamps World Cup, Adds Men’s Tournament
updated June 18, 2025
World Netball is implementing a new global strategy that includes a men’s Netball World Cup and a shortened World Cup cycle for women. After the 2027 tournament in Sydney, the World Cup will be held every two years instead of four.The goal is to elevate the sport’s global profile and potentially secure a spot in the Olympic Games. Thes changes aim to ensure a world-class international event takes place every year, so the best players can compete against each other more frequently enough to build rivalries, expand reach and open up new markets. This strategic shift highlights the growing role of netball on the world stage.
In addition to the men’s tournament, World Netball will introduce Cup and Plate competitions to boost engagement. A new biennial event will launch in November 2028, taking place in non-World Cup years. Australia currently holds the title of world champions,defeating England 61-45 in the 2023 final,which marked England’s first appearance in a World Cup final. The organization hopes these changes will help netball build towards being included in the Olympic Games for the first time, further solidifying its role in international sports.
Fiona Harold, World Netball chief executive officer, emphasized the need for proactive measures. ”International netball has never been more competitive, but the landscape is becoming increasingly complex to navigate,” Harold said. “WN needs to support its members and deliver solutions that mean everyone in the ecosystem benefits. These decisions allow us to control our destiny, and it’s positive news for everyone. As the international federation, it is our job to sustain and grow the game over the long term.”
Harold added,”Whilst World Netball will always remain proud of the sport’s traditions,we must not be held hostage to them. Our sport is open to all, and now feels like the right time to make a clear statement on the men’s game, which is gaining momentum rapidly.” She also noted the positive feedback from stakeholders and the ongoing collaboration with men’s netball groups to realize their dream of an inaugural men’s Netball World Cup.The changes reflect the evolving role of World Netball in promoting inclusivity and growth.
What’s next
The FAST5 Netball World Series, an annual international competition featuring a faster version of the game, will be paused as World Netball focuses on these new initiatives.