Netball World Cup Host Selection Process Begins

World Netball announces Major Expansion with new Tournaments,opens Host Bidding

Geneva,Switzerland – World Netball (WN) today unveiled a dynamic new event strategy designed to propel netball onto the global stage,announcing a new annual World Netball event alongside the existing Netball World Cup (NWC) and,in a landmark move,the inaugural Men’s Netball World Cup. The association has partnered with The Sports Consultancy (TSC) to identify host cities for all three competitions.

The NWC, netball’s premier international competition, will continue to be held biennially, with the next edition slated for 2027. Following that, the NWC will maintain its two-year cycle, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of the netball calendar.

Though,the most significant shift comes with the introduction of a new annual World netball event. this tournament is strategically designed to build momentum and excitement in the years between NWCs, ensuring a high-profile netball competition every year for athletes and fans alike.

perhaps the most groundbreaking proclamation is the launch of the Men’s Netball World Cup. This event signifies a major commitment to inclusivity within the sport,providing a platform to showcase elite male talent and broaden netball’s appeal to new audiences.

“This is an exciting moment for our sport,” stated Fiona Harold, CEO of World Netball. “The launch of a new World Netball event and the Men’s Netball World Cup alongside our pinnacle,biennial Netball World Cup reflects our ambition to grow the game inclusively and globally. We are thrilled to work with industry leaders, TSC, to identify hosts that share our vision and passion for netball.”

Kirsten Sibbit-Johnston, Head of Women’s sports, Strategy & Investment at The Sports Consultancy, echoed this sentiment, adding, “We are proud to be partnering with World Netball to bring these prestigious events to market. Each tournament offers hosts a compelling blend of sporting excellence, commercial prospect, and deep social impact.We look forward to engaging with cities around the world to deliver a truly global party of netball.”

Why This Matters: The Evolution of Netball

This expansion represents a pivotal moment for netball, a sport traditionally dominated by women. The introduction of a dedicated men’s World Cup acknowledges the growing participation and talent within the men’s game, fostering a more comprehensive and inclusive sporting landscape.

The annual World Netball event addresses a key challenge for many international sports: maintaining consistent visibility and engagement between major championships. By offering a premium event every year, WN aims to keep netball in the spotlight, attracting sponsors, and cultivating a dedicated fanbase.

Looking Ahead: Host City Opportunities

World Netball is now actively seeking host cities for all three tournaments. Hosting a World Netball event offers significant benefits, including economic impact through tourism, enhanced international profile, and a lasting legacy of sporting infrastructure and community engagement.

Cities interested in bidding are encouraged to contact TSC at [email protected] to learn more about the submission process and requirements.

This strategic overhaul positions World Netball for sustained growth and promises an exciting future for the sport, both for athletes and fans worldwide.

What specific criteria,beyond those listed,might World Netball use to assess a nation’s commitment to netball advancement as part of the ‘Legacy Plan’ evaluation?

Understanding the bidding Landscape for 2027 & Beyond

The World Netball organization has officially launched the bidding process for future Netball World Cup events,kicking off a period of intense competition amongst nations eager to showcase their facilities and passion for the sport. This isn’t just about securing the right to host; it’s a significant undertaking with economic, infrastructural, and sporting implications. The current focus is primarily on the 2027 World Cup, but the process also lays the groundwork for future tournaments, including potential bids for the 2031 event. Key terms surrounding this process include Netball World Cup bids, host nation selection, and international netball events.

Key Stages in the Host Selection Process

The selection isn’t a rapid decision. World Netball employs a rigorous, multi-stage process to ensure the chosen host can deliver a world-class event. Here’s a breakdown:

1. expression of Interest (EOI): This initial stage, recently completed, allows nations to formally signal their intent to bid. it’s a relatively low-commitment step, allowing World Netball to gauge interest and provide preliminary information.
2. Formal Bid Submission: Following the EOI phase, interested nations receive a complete bid application pack. This document outlines the specific requirements and criteria world Netball will use to evaluate bids. This is where detailed planning begins.
3. Bid Submission & Evaluation: Applicants submit their detailed bids, covering aspects like:

Venues: Capacity, suitability for netball, accessibility.

Infrastructure: Accommodation, transportation, medical facilities.

Financial Viability: Budget, funding sources, economic impact projections.

Legacy Plan: How the event will benefit netball development in the host nation long-term.

Government Support: Demonstrated commitment from national and local authorities.

1. Site Visits & Inspections: World Netball representatives conduct on-site inspections to verify information provided in the bids and assess the suitability of proposed venues and infrastructure.
2. final Decision & Announcement: The World Netball Board makes the final decision, typically several months before the event, and publicly announces the winning bid.

Criteria for a Triumphant Bid: What World Netball Looks For

Securing the right to host a Netball World Cup requires more than just enthusiasm.World Netball prioritizes several key areas:

Financial Guarantee: A robust financial plan demonstrating the ability to fund the event without relying heavily on World Netball resources. Netball World cup funding is a critical component.

World-Class Facilities: Venues that meet international standards for netball competition and spectator comfort.

Strong Government Support: Commitment from government agencies to provide logistical support, security, and visa assistance.

Netball Development Impact: A clear plan to leverage the event to grow netball participation and development within the host nation. this includes grassroots programs, coach education, and infrastructure investment.Netball development programs are highly valued.

fan Experience: A commitment to creating a vibrant and engaging experience for fans, including ticketing, hospitality, and cultural events.

Sustainability: Increasingly, bids are evaluated on their environmental sustainability plans.

Recent Host Nations & Lessons learned

Looking at past Netball World Cups provides valuable insights.

2019 – Liverpool, England: Liverpool delivered a hugely successful tournament, showcasing the sport to a new audience and setting a high bar for future hosts. A key success factor was strong local community engagement.

2015 – Sydney, Australia: Australia’s established netball infrastructure and passionate fanbase contributed to a well-organized and highly attended event.

2011 – Singapore: Singapore’s bid demonstrated a commitment to growing netball in Asia, highlighting the potential for the sport’s expansion into new markets.

These examples demonstrate that successful bids often combine existing netball infrastructure with a compelling vision for the sport’s future. Past Netball World Cups offer valuable case studies.

The Economic Impact of Hosting a Netball World Cup

Hosting a Netball World cup can generate significant economic benefits for the host nation. These include:

Tourism Revenue: Increased visitor spending on accommodation,food,transportation,and entertainment.

job Creation: Temporary employment opportunities during the event and potentially long-term jobs in the sports and tourism sectors.

Infrastructure Investment: Upgrades to venues and infrastructure can benefit the host city and nation for years to come.

Increased International Profile: Hosting a major sporting event raises the host nation’s profile on the global stage. Economic impact of sports events is a key consideration for bidding nations.

Practical Tips for Potential Bidders

For nations considering a bid, here are some key recommendations:

Start Early: The bidding process is complex and time-consuming. Begin planning well in advance of the EOI deadline.

Build a Strong Team: Assemble a dedicated bid team with expertise in event management, finance, marketing, and government relations.

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