Surprising global sports deal brings Aussie netball to world stage
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When worlds collide, surprises follow—especially when a global pop culture icon turns up in an unexpected corner of Aussie sport.
A new partnership is taking shape, and it’s one few saw coming. Let’s just say, women’s leagues might never be the same again.
Whoopi Goldberg, the Oscar-winning actress, comedian, and all-around entertainment powerhouse, has just announced a significant partnership with Netball Australia through the All Women’s Sports Network (AWSN)—a global platform she co-founded in 2024.
While it might seem like an unlikely match, this collaboration is already making waves, promising to catapult Super Netball onto the world stage.
So, how did this all come about? It turns out that the magic of social media played a starring role.
Two AWSN heavyweights—former NFL player Tony Parrish and George Chung, the San Francisco 49ers’ former martial arts coach—spotted Super Netball highlights on their feeds and were instantly hooked.
Their curiosity led to conversations with Netball Australia, and before long, a three-year broadcast deal was inked.
A Global Stage for Aussie Talent
This isn’t just a win for netball fans Down Under. AWSN boasts a jaw-dropping reach of 900 million households worldwide.
Thanks to this partnership, Super Netball will now be broadcast in over 65 new countries, introducing our homegrown stars to millions of new fans.
Super Netball balls and merchandise have already been express-posted to the US, and Whoopi herself has taken to social media to share her excitement.
‘I am so proud to be thanking you for joining us on AWSN,’ Whoopi said in a video message to the league.
‘I see that your fans are really loving you, so we want to make sure that we put you everywhere in the world so that everybody knows about you.’
Why Now? The Rise of Women’s Sport
This partnership couldn’t have come at a better time. Women’s sport is enjoying a global surge in popularity, and Netball Australia is riding that wave.
As NA chief executive Stacey West put it, ‘Super Netball is no longer a game that fans seek out, it’s something they cannot miss. This breakthrough deal puts netball on screens across the globe and cements our place at the forefront of women’s sport.’
The numbers back her up. The 2024 Super Netball season smashed records on Kayo and Foxtel, with an average audience of 57,000 per match.
Now, with AWSN on board, 41 Super Netball matches—including the finals—will be available to a global audience through to 2027.
Overcoming Hurdles: A New Chapter for Netball Australia
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Netball Australia.
The sport faced significant financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a $4 million debt and tough pay negotiations that led to the resignation of former boss Kelly Ryan in late 2023.
But despite these setbacks, the league’s audience has continued to grow, and this new partnership signals a fresh start and a bright future.
‘AWSN shares our vision of taking women’s sport to new heights,’ West said.
‘Together, we’re creating a platform for our athletes and game to shine like never before.’
What Does This Mean for Aussie Seniors?
For many of us, netball isn’t just a sport—it’s a cherished part of our community, whether we played it ourselves, cheered on our kids and grandkids, or enjoyed the camaraderie of local matches.
This partnership is a proud moment for all Australians, showing the world just how talented and passionate our athletes are.
Plus, with more matches available to watch than ever before, it’s the perfect excuse to gather the family, make a cuppa, and cheer on our teams from the comfort of home—no matter where you are in the country (or the world!).
Are you excited to see Super Netball go global? Have you got a favourite netball memory or a team you’ll be cheering for? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
Read more: 'This is insanity': Neuroscientist sounds alarm over new Aussie sport
A new partnership is taking shape, and it’s one few saw coming. Let’s just say, women’s leagues might never be the same again.
Whoopi Goldberg, the Oscar-winning actress, comedian, and all-around entertainment powerhouse, has just announced a significant partnership with Netball Australia through the All Women’s Sports Network (AWSN)—a global platform she co-founded in 2024.
While it might seem like an unlikely match, this collaboration is already making waves, promising to catapult Super Netball onto the world stage.
Three-year broadcast deal with Netball Australia secured by All Women’s Sports Network to showcase Super Netball worldwide. Credit: Facebook
So, how did this all come about? It turns out that the magic of social media played a starring role.
Two AWSN heavyweights—former NFL player Tony Parrish and George Chung, the San Francisco 49ers’ former martial arts coach—spotted Super Netball highlights on their feeds and were instantly hooked.
Their curiosity led to conversations with Netball Australia, and before long, a three-year broadcast deal was inked.
A Global Stage for Aussie Talent
This isn’t just a win for netball fans Down Under. AWSN boasts a jaw-dropping reach of 900 million households worldwide.
Thanks to this partnership, Super Netball will now be broadcast in over 65 new countries, introducing our homegrown stars to millions of new fans.
Super Netball balls and merchandise have already been express-posted to the US, and Whoopi herself has taken to social media to share her excitement.
‘I am so proud to be thanking you for joining us on AWSN,’ Whoopi said in a video message to the league.
‘I see that your fans are really loving you, so we want to make sure that we put you everywhere in the world so that everybody knows about you.’
Why Now? The Rise of Women’s Sport
This partnership couldn’t have come at a better time. Women’s sport is enjoying a global surge in popularity, and Netball Australia is riding that wave.
As NA chief executive Stacey West put it, ‘Super Netball is no longer a game that fans seek out, it’s something they cannot miss. This breakthrough deal puts netball on screens across the globe and cements our place at the forefront of women’s sport.’
The numbers back her up. The 2024 Super Netball season smashed records on Kayo and Foxtel, with an average audience of 57,000 per match.
Now, with AWSN on board, 41 Super Netball matches—including the finals—will be available to a global audience through to 2027.
Overcoming Hurdles: A New Chapter for Netball Australia
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Netball Australia.
The sport faced significant financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a $4 million debt and tough pay negotiations that led to the resignation of former boss Kelly Ryan in late 2023.
But despite these setbacks, the league’s audience has continued to grow, and this new partnership signals a fresh start and a bright future.
‘AWSN shares our vision of taking women’s sport to new heights,’ West said.
‘Together, we’re creating a platform for our athletes and game to shine like never before.’
What Does This Mean for Aussie Seniors?
For many of us, netball isn’t just a sport—it’s a cherished part of our community, whether we played it ourselves, cheered on our kids and grandkids, or enjoyed the camaraderie of local matches.
This partnership is a proud moment for all Australians, showing the world just how talented and passionate our athletes are.
Plus, with more matches available to watch than ever before, it’s the perfect excuse to gather the family, make a cuppa, and cheer on our teams from the comfort of home—no matter where you are in the country (or the world!).
Read more: 'This is insanity': Neuroscientist sounds alarm over new Aussie sport
