'Hand over the reins at the dawn of a new era': Netball Australia CEO walks as sport's shake-up continues
Netball Australia's CEO Stacey West has announced she is stepping down from her position, just a week after the sport secured a landmark broadcast deal with Nine.
Having held the role since December 2023, West confirmed that the reins will be passed onto Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 CEO Mark Falvo, effective Monday.
The leadership change comes as the sport charts a new course in preparation for the 2027 Netball World Cup and the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
The next major objective for one of Australia's highest-participation sports is to mount a successful Olympic bid. Netball Australia also aims to build on a record 13 per cent surge in Super Netball attendance, bolstered by the new five-year Nine broadcast partnership.
READ MORE: Skipper floats shock axing as Origin teams take shape
READ MORE: Former Origin star in shock signing with new club
READ MORE: F1 drivers, teams face huge penalties in tax probe
"This role has been a labour of love for me," West said after 16 years within the organisation.
"My commitment to the sport, our people and our athletes, has been a lifelong vocation and the opportunity to contribute to our growth and success has been a privilege.
Stacey West will step down as Netball Australia's CEO. Getty Images for Super Netball
"I hand over the reins at the dawn of a new era with the sport poised for continued success. Suncorp Super Netball continues to set crowd, audience and membership records.
"Our new long-term free-to-air broadcast partnership defies market trends and is built off the wonderful product and people who make up this sport.
"We remain the number one sport for women and girls, and the love and respect in the community for both the high performance and participation aspects of our game is the backbone of our culture and dominance."
Liz Ellis speaks on Channel Nine ahead of the Super Netball. Mark Kolbe via Getty Images
Netball Australia Chair Liz Ellis praised West's dedication to the sport and expressed confidence in the upcoming transition of power.
"Mark Falvo has accepted responsibility for the leadership of both our entities, and he will deliver strong value to netball based on his personal expertise and deep knowledge of the Australian and global sporting landscape," Ellis said.
"Stacey and Mark already work very closely to discharge their duties and responsibilities, and a positive and collaborative transition plan is already being executed."
