“The Countdown Begins: Super Netball’s Blueprint for Expansion”

Super Netball Faces Deadline for New Team — What’s the Blueprint and Is an Eighth Side Achievable?

Collapse of Collingwood’s Netball Team Creates Implications for Super Netball League

The decision by Collingwood, one of the richest AFL clubs, to leave the Super Netball league has major implications for Netball Australia and the rest of the elite domestic competition. Collingwood’s struggle to fund its Super Netball team raises questions about why the club is not using its considerable financial resources to support its netball program. Additionally, the departure of Collingwood leaves a vacant spot in the league, which must have eight teams in order to meet the current broadcast agreement. Netball Australia has set a June 20 deadline for submissions to fill the spot, putting extreme time pressure on interested parties.

Netball Australia’s Blueprint for a Competitive and Sustainable Team

Netball Australia has appointed a sub-committee of seven people to determine the eighth licence for the Super Netball league. The committee will assess proposals based on several factors, including a team’s potential to drive growth, player development, and financial viability. The sub-committee will also consider a team’s ability to run a sustainable and successful team over the long term. Former Netball NSW chief executive Carolyn Campbell believes it is achievable to create a competitive team within the tight timeline, emphasizing the importance of having the right people with the right understanding and knowledge.

Lessons from Successful Expansion Teams: Sunshine Coast Lightning and GWS Giants

The Sunshine Coast Lightning and GWS Giants entered the Super Netball league at the same time as Collingwood and have experienced much better results. The Sunshine Coast Lightning formed a strategic alliance with the GWS Giants AFL team, which allowed them to quickly adopt an established brand and benefit from full ownership and control. The Giants, on the other hand, focused on carving out their own niche and attracting fans from all over the state. Both teams have found success by building strong connections with their communities and creating a sense of tribalism among their supporters.

Key Considerations for the New Team: Alignment, Location, and Branding

Netball Australia is looking for the new team to be aligned with a state body, particularly if it is based in Victoria. This alignment will ensure a commitment to invest back into the sport’s pathway and infrastructure. Location is also a crucial factor, with Netball Victoria preferring a second team to be based in a regional area rather than closely to the Melbourne Vixens. The success of the Sunshine Coast Lightning in building a regional fan base highlights the potential for teams outside of major cities. Branding is another important aspect, with teams like the GWS Giants and Sunshine Coast Lightning finding success by creating their own identity and point of difference.

The Financial Viability of Super Netball Teams

The financial viability of Super Netball teams has been a challenge, with Collingwood citing financial reasons as the main factor for leaving the league. However, former Netball NSW chief executive Carolyn Campbell believes that the value of owning a Super Netball team goes beyond financial profit. The ability to control the sport from grassroots to elite allows teams to have a range of benefits that are difficult to quantify. While every Super Netball team reportedly operates at a loss, the overall value and impact on the sport make it a worthwhile venture.

Editorial: The Importance of a Strong and Sustainable Super Netball League

The collapse of Collingwood’s netball team highlights the challenges faced by Super Netball and the need for a strong and sustainable league. Netball is a popular sport in Australia, particularly among young girls, and a successful Super Netball competition is essential for fostering the growth and development of the sport. It is crucial that the new team selected to fill Collingwood’s spot prioritizes long-term sustainability and competitiveness. The league must continue to attract top talent and provide opportunities for players to excel at the highest level. By creating a blueprint for success based on the lessons learned from successful expansion teams, Netball Australia can ensure the continued growth and success of Super Netball.

Advice: Ensuring the Success of the New Super Netball Team

For the new Super Netball team, it is important to focus on building a strong and committed fan base. This can be achieved by creating a unique identity and point of difference, engaging with the local community, and establishing partnerships with other sporting organizations. Location plays a crucial role, with regional areas offering opportunities to tap into new markets and attract fans who may not have been previously engaged with the sport. Financial viability is a challenge for all Super Netball teams, but a well-managed team with a strong and sustainable business model can overcome these obstacles. By prioritizing long-term sustainability and competitiveness, the new team can contribute to the overall success and growth of the Super Netball league.