Ugly netball pay dispute over as Netball Australia, players' association sign 'historic' new agreement

One of the most tumultuous periods in Australian netball history is over after the sport's governing body and the players' association confirmed they had signed a "historic" deal.

A joint statement between Netball Australia and the Australian Netball Players Association confirmed a new three-year CPA (collective player agreement) would see players receive an immediate 11 per cent pay rise over the period of the deal.

Having been essentially unemployed and not paid in the more than 10 weeks since the previous deal expired on September 30, all players will also be back paid to October 1.

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The signing of the new deal comes barely a day after Kelly Ryan quit as NA's chief executive, and high-performance general manager Stacey West was inserted as interim.

Minimum salaries will rise to $46,600 and a new sponsorship revenue partnership will see a portion of the sport's income through commercial arrangements spread among players.

"It's an historic day for netball players and for the sport," ANPA chief executive Kathryn Harby-Williams said.

"It's a day when revenue sharing enters netball for the first time with all of the benefits this brings.

"The operating model for netball has changed for the better, particularly at a time when there is competition for talented female athletes, many of whom come through the netball ranks."

The new CPA will also give players the opportunity to make extra income by working with the sport's commercial partners.

"Netball is now a sport which incentivises players and administrators alike to grow the game for the benefit of all who love and invest in it," Harny-Williams said.

"This is a stepping stone to even greater things for the sport." 

It also means the eight Super Netball teams – including the brand new Melbourne Mavericks side – can resume pre-season training in preparation for the 2024 season.

West said the new deal "provided certainty" for players.

"The new revenue share partnership with the players is a historic moment for the game that will set up netball for future success and ensure financial stability for the sport,'' West said.

"Netball Australia and Suncorp Super Netball players love our sport and we are all committed to the growth and success of not only top-level competition but also future generations of grassroots players.''

The Super Netball contract signing window will reopen on Wednesday afternoon and close on Tuesday.