Telstra will also simulcast Nine’s two live games each week and provide the other two weekly games live on the “Netball Live” App, enabling fans to watch these games via subscription on their mobile devices.
Advertisement
The Storm’s franchise will most likely be based out of the University of the Sunshine Coast, meanwhile the Giants franchise bid is made in partnership with Netball NSW and will be based in Sydney.
The announcement of a new national netball league is a major breakthrough for women’s sport in Australia with the game set to receive a huge boost in exposure.
Netball Australia have announced a groundbreaking TV deal with Channel Nine, ensuring as of 2017 netball will be seen both live and in primetime on Australian free-to-air TV. The games will also be available to stream on the network’s 9Now service. The annual subscription now costs $29.99 – but that’s under review.
The free-to-air deal includes two live games on Saturday nights, two delayed matches and all global matches in a five-year agreement.
“This is the most significant broadcasting rights agreement in the history of Australian women’s sport”, said Kate Palmer, chief executive of Netball Australia.
“It’s time for our sport to take another leap forward, to challenge the norm, to be innovative and to take more risks.”
“It is truly transformative”, she said.
“In the future, this day will be regarded as the beginning of full professionalism in Australian netball”, Palmer said. “At the grass roots, it will encourage participation and allow girls and young women to realise their dream of a career in netball”. Monday night Netball will return, as well as a brand new timeslot on Wednesday nights. “Better still, we’ll be investing in and growing the sport together”.
The trans-Tasman netball competition will be scrapped altogether from next year.
Advertisement
“It has always been accepted that a comprehensive free-to-air broadcasting arrangement is essential to maximise the development of women’s sport in Australia”.
