The federal government will pump $6 million into Australian netball in funding for the 2027 World Cup.
The Diamonds, who beat England in the final to win the world title in South Africa last year, will defend their crown on home turf in Sydney.
Netball Australia and World Netball are also pushing for the sport's inclusion at the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.
The funding package, part of the May federal budget, is a show of commitment to the tournament and strengthens the government’s investment in women’s sport, according to Minister for Sport Anika Wells.
“The Albanese government’s $6 million investment will help deliver an exceptional Netball World Cup in 2027, and generate more opportunities for more future Diamonds," Wells said in a statement.
“Netball has the highest participation numbers for women and girls in Australian sport and their participation drives health, social and economic benefits, as well as the government’s gender equality agenda.
“Our $6 million funding again shows our commitment to invest in women and girls, building on the $85 million invested for last year’s Women’s Football World Cup, the 2022 Women’s Basketball World Cup and the $200 million Play Our Way fund for women and girls' sporting infrastructure.”
Netball Australia has been slowly turning its financial fortunes around after the effects of COVID-19 and the loss of a major sponsor.
The organisation's new chair, former Diamonds captain Liz Ellis, said the funding would ensure the delivery of the best World Cup in history.
Sydney hosted the quadrennial tournament in 2015, which was the third time for Australia since the first World Cup in 1963.
“We thank the federal government for their ongoing support for netball and the 2027 Netball World Cup," Ellis said.
"The Super Netball League is the best league in the world, the Origin Australian Diamonds are the No.1 team and defending World Cup champions, and the 2027 Netball World Cup will be the greatest ever.''
